Hockey India League: Delhi SG Pipers and Gonasika share an exciting 2-2 draw on the opening night

Graham Reid, the former India coach now leading Delhi SG Pipers, expressed his excitement about being “back home.” His team faced a standout performance from Ollie Payne, the England goalkeeper for Team Gonasika. Payne had been the hero during last year’s World Cup in Rourkela when India and England played to a thrilling 0-0 draw, which ended with Raj Kumar Pal scoring past Payne in a shootout—an outcome reminiscent of India’s dramatic win against Great Britain in the Paris Olympics quarterfinals.

The opening night of the Hockey India League in Rourkela had a sense of déjà vu as Delhi and Gonasika played out an exhilarating 2-2 draw in regulation time, with each team earning a point before Delhi won the penalty shootout to claim an additional bonus point. Argentina’s Tomas Domene opened the scoring for the league and also netted the equalizer for Delhi, while Struan Walker and Victor Charlet scored for Gonasika. Both goalkeepers were in top form, but Gonasika’s missed shootout opportunities proved costly.

Indian players didn’t score but made valuable contributions, with young Aditya Lalage impressing for Delhi with an assist on the equalizer. Meanwhile, veteran Nikkin Thimmiah, who last played for India in 2016, showcased his skill in Gonasika’s forward line with his creative stickwork.

India women’s team coach Harendra Singh, providing halftime analysis, remarked that he was pleasantly surprised by how well the teams had bonded, despite limited preparation time, with both teams impressing with their teamwork and coordination.

The opening penalty corner of the match led to the first goal of the HIL season, with Delhi taking an early lead in the first 5 minutes, courtesy of Domene’s drag flick. However, after a slow start, Manpreet Singh’s Gonasika team made a strong comeback. The former India captain had a chance to equalize in the first quarter but, after intercepting in midfield and charging forward, he mishit his shot on goal.

Gonasika increased the pressure on Delhi’s defense in the second quarter, which eventually paid off. Nikkin deflected a ball into the circle onto the post with a clever first-touch, and Walker followed up by tapping it into the empty net. In the second half, Araijeet Singh Hundal won a penalty corner, and Gonasika took the lead when Charlet converted with a drag flick.

Delhi had shown little in terms of attack since the first quarter, but a yellow card for Walker gave them an opportunity to turn the game around. With a man advantage, Reid’s side responded quickly. Domene positioned himself well in the center, and Aditya’s precise pass found him, allowing him to deflect the ball past Payne. Gonasika created better chances in the closing stages but failed to capitalize, missing the chance to secure all three points.