Harmanpreet Singh Struggles as UP Rudras Dominate with 3-0 Victory in Hockey India League

In a highly competitive start to the tournament, Soorma Hockey Club faced a significant 3-0 defeat, marking the first three-goal loss of the men’s Hockey India League in Rourkela. UP Rudras, along with Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, set a strong early pace with two wins out of two, scoring six goals across their opening matches. Sudeep Chirmako (2’), Jobanpreet Singh (38’), and Akashdeep Singh (58’) were the scorers for Rudras, with their captain Hardik Singh leading a solid midfield performance.

It was an off night for India captain Harmanpreet Singh, who struggled against Rudras’ strong penalty corner defense, particularly facing the impressive first-rushing from Dutch star Lars Balk. Despite being named a nominee for the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award, Harmanpreet missed several penalty corner opportunities, and Soorma fell to a 0-3 loss.

Chirmako, a two-time Junior World Cupper, had another standout performance. After scoring in the opening match, he found the net again and assisted one on Thursday night. The local lad from Odisha gave Rudras the lead early, showing his 3D skills to break the Soorma defense. After a rebound fell to him, he swiftly fired a forehand shot past goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch.

Chirmako then set up the second goal, controlling a crossfield aerial pass and dribbling into the circle before delivering a reverse pass to Jobanpreet, who scored. The third goal came late in the game, with Soorma pulling their goalkeeper in a last-ditch effort to get back in the match. Hardik launched a counterattack, finding Akashdeep, who easily slotted the ball into an empty net.

Soorma increased the pressure in the second quarter and earned several penalty corners. Harmanpreet missed his first two attempts, with Jeremy Hayward unable to convert the first and Nicolas Della Torre failing to capitalize on the second. Harmanpreet then took charge, but his attempts were repeatedly blocked or went wide, despite multiple retakes. UP’s defense, led by Balk, held firm, and Soorma’s failure to vary their approach cost them.

Soorma’s hopes of a comeback were dashed as the match ended with a few more penalty corner chances for Harmanpreet, all of which were thwarted by Balk or went wide. Despite his frustration, Harmanpreet remains a key player for Soorma, and if they continue creating chances, he is expected to find form soon.