Tamil Nadu Dragons Secure Semifinal Berth in Hero Hockey India League
Rourkela, 29 January 2025: In a thrilling Men’s Hero Hockey India League match at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, the Tamil Nadu Dragons came back from two goals down to secure a draw against the UP Rudras. With this result, the Tamil Nadu Dragons advanced to the semifinals, eliminating the UP Rudras from the competition.
Match Summary: Tamil Nadu Dragons vs. UP Rudras
Key Goal Scorers
- UP Rudras: Sudeep Chrimako (8’), Lalit Kumar Upadhyay (15’)
- Tamil Nadu Dragons: Jip Janssen (32’), Thomas Sorsby (53’)
- Penalty Shootout: UP Rudras won 3-2 in sudden death
High-Stakes Battle for the Last Semifinal Spot
This clash was crucial as the Tamil Nadu Dragons held fourth place with 17 points, while the UP Rudras were fifth with 15 points. A draw was enough for the Dragons to qualify, whereas the Rudras needed a win to break into the top four.
UP Rudras Dominate Early With Two Quick Goals
The match started evenly, but the UP Rudras gained an early advantage when Sudeep Chirmako scored in the 8th minute. Chirmako expertly controlled James Albery’s pass and fired past David Harte.
The Dragons tried to respond but faced a strong Rudras defense. In the final minute of the first quarter, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay capitalized on a penalty corner rebound to double the Rudras’ lead.
Tamil Nadu Dragons Fight Back in the Second Half
Despite trailing 2-0, the Dragons showed resilience. A golden opportunity to score came in the 31st minute when Blake Govers found Selvam Karthi inside the UP Rudras’ circle, but Karthi failed to capitalize.
Moments later, the Dragons finally broke through. In the 32nd minute, Jip Janssen converted a well-executed penalty corner routine, giving the Dragons hope.
Dragons Apply Pressure and Find the Equalizer
Encouraged by their goal, the Dragons pushed forward. Janssen nearly equalized in the 42nd minute, but Surender Kumar blocked his drag flick on the goal line. The Dragons kept pressing and earned another penalty corner in the 53rd minute, where Thomas Sorsby deflected Govers’ drag-flick past James Mazarelo to make it 2-2.
UP Rudras Win Penalty Shootout, But Dragons Advance
Although the UP Rudras won the penalty shootout 3-2, the Tamil Nadu Dragons had done enough to secure their semifinal spot.
What’s Next in the Hero Hockey India League?
With the Tamil Nadu Dragons advancing, the race for the Hero Hockey India League title intensifies. Stay tuned for more updates on the upcoming semifinal clashes!
👉 Read more about the special Press Conference in Rourkela to stay updated on upcoming matches.
