Hockey India League 2026: Tom Boon’s hat-trick seals final spot for Ranchi Royals with win over Hyderabad Toofans
(Courtesy : Hockey India)
Birthday Boy Tom Boon’s hat-trick puts the Royals in the final against Vedanta Kalinga Lancers.
Ranchi Royals registered a sensational 3-2 win against Hyderabad Toofans in Qualifier 2 of the Hockey India League 2026 (Men) here at the iconic Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
It was a hat-trick of goals by Tom Boon (13′, 15′, 34′) that ensured Royals book their place in the final against Vedanta Kalinga Lancers on Monday. Meanwhile, for Toofans Jacob Anderson (5′) and Amandeep Lakra (38′) scored a goal each.
It was top-class action between the two teams with Hyderabad Toofans getting off the blocks with a sensational goal by Jacob Anderson in only the 5th minute of the game.
It was a goal brilliantly set-up by India’s rising midfielder Rajinder Singh who tackled almost three defenders as he swiftly made his way from the right flank to find Anderson poised in front of the goal post to get the perfect deflection.
Only seconds earlier, Manpreet Singh had launched a stupendous shot aimed at the post from outside the D but unfortunately Manmeet Singh was inches away from getting his stick on it.
The 1-0 lead by Toofans put them in good stead but they ended up squandering it when they gave away two easy PCs to Ranchi Royals. With Tom Boon in their ranks, Royals were sure to capitalize on it.
Boon struck two back-to-back goals with good injection from the experienced Manpreet Singh in the 13th and 15th minute to end an entertaining opening quarter.
The second quarter remained goalless despite some fantastic attempts on goal by both teams, showing just how desperate they were to vie for a place in the final.
Royals returned from the half-time break with a clear intent to take further lead. It was Tom Boon again at the centre of the action when his team won another PC in the 34th minute.
Once again, it was a fine injection by Manpreet that was picked up fiercely by Boon to flick it past the Toofans keeper. This goal put the Royals ahead by 3-1.
But four minutes later, Junior World Cup bronze medal winner Amandeep Lakra struck one for the Toofans in style. It was a PC that was well-executed by the youngster.
The final quarter remained tense with Toofans pushing their ante to score an equaliser. They even found a few opportunities by earning PC, but couldn’t make much of it while Royals did well defensively to hold on to their 3-2 lead.
All matches of the Hero Hockey India League will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 and DD Sports. The matches will also be live-streamed on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel.
Who won Qualifier 2 of the Hockey India League 2026?
Ranchi Royals defeated Hyderabad Toofans 3-2 to win Qualifier 2.
When and where was the match played?
The match was played at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
Who scored for Ranchi Royals in the match?
Tom Boon scored all three goals for the Royals in the 13th, 15th, and 34th minutes.
Who scored for Hyderabad Toofans?
Jacob Anderson and Amandeep Lakra scored one goal each for Toofans.
Why was this match special for Tom Boon?
Tom Boon scored a hat-trick on his birthday, making the victory even more memorable.
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Alex graduated in mass communication in 2016 and has been covering global sports for Khel Now since then. He is covering sports tech, igaming, sports betting and casino domain from 2017.