Rourkela, January 2, 2024: UP Rudras showcased an impressive performance as they defeated Soorma Hockey Club 3-0 in the Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium. Early goals and a solid defensive effort propelled the Rudras to their second win in the tournament.
The match began with UP Rudras taking control from the opening whistle. In just the second minute, Gurjot Singh created an opportunity that led to Sudeep Chirmako unleashing a powerful strike to put the Rudras ahead. Despite Soorma Hockey Club gaining momentum and earning two penalty corners late in the first quarter, they failed to convert their chances.
In the second quarter, Soorma Hockey Club increased their offensive pressure, earning multiple penalty corners. However, the Rudras’ defense, led by Lars Balk and goalkeeper James Mazarelo, held firm to keep their lead intact.
The third quarter saw UP Rudras ramp up their intensity, with Sudeep Chirmako delivering a precise pass from the left wing to Jobanpreet Singh, who calmly slotted the ball into the net in the 38th minute, doubling the Rudras’ lead. Soorma Hockey Club attempted a high press to claw back into the game but struggled to penetrate the Rudras’ organized defense.
As the final quarter commenced, Soorma Hockey Club dominated possession and created opportunities, but their finishing let them down. Gurjant Singh missed a crucial chance, and a flurry of penalty corners went unconverted. UP Rudras sealed the game in the 58th minute when Hardik Singh orchestrated a counterattack, passing to Akashdeep Singh, who delivered a thunderous reverse tomahawk for the third goal.
Soorma Hockey Club’s captain, Harmanpreet Singh, tried to salvage a goal with a penalty corner in the dying moments, but it went off target, confirming a clean sheet for the Rudras.
Key Moments:
- 2’: Sudeep Chirmako’s early goal gives UP Rudras the lead.
- 38’: Jobanpreet Singh doubles the advantage for the Rudras.
- 58’: Akashdeep Singh scores a stunning third goal to seal the win.
UP Rudras’ commanding performance highlights their intent in the league as they look to build on this momentum in upcoming matches.
