Hockey India League: Hyderabad Toofans Secure First Victory
Hyderabad Toofans’ first victory in Hockey India League moves them up to 5th place with a 3-0 win over UP Rudras, fueled by goals from Wallace, Singh, and Lakra.

The Hockey India League witnessed an exciting turnaround when Hyderabad Toofans registered their first outright victory by defeating UP Rudras 3-0. This win was crucial for the Toofans, as it helped them rise from the bottom of the points table to fifth position, bringing new hope to their campaign.
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ToggleHockey India League: Strong Start Propels Hyderabad Toofans to Victory
Hyderabad Toofans showed their intent from the very beginning, dominating the game with a solid attack. The match saw Zachary Wallace scoring an impressive back-handed goal in just the sixth minute, giving the Toofans an early lead. The pressure mounted on UP Rudras as Rajinder Singh, with assistance from Nilakanta Sharma, found the net in the 14th minute to put the Toofans 2-0 ahead by the end of the first quarter.
Key Match Details
Match Event | Details |
---|---|
Date | Wednesday |
Teams | Hyderabad Toofans vs. UP Rudras |
Scoreline | Hyderabad Toofans 3 – 0 UP Rudras |
Scorers for Hyderabad | Zachary Wallace (6′), Rajinder Singh (14′), Shilanand Lakra (32′) |
Goals | 1st Quarter: Wallace (6’), Singh (14’) 3rd Quarter: Lakra (32’) |
Final Score | 3-0 in favor of Hyderabad Toofans |
Notable Players | Dixon, Gonzalo Peillat, Hardik, Nilakanta Sharma |
PCs Awarded | Hyderabad Toofans: 3 PCs UP Rudras: 3 PCs |
Rudras’ Key Chance | Floris Wortelboer (49′ minute, PC awarded) |
UP Rudras’ Effort to Turn the Tide
Despite trailing, UP Rudras put up a strong fight, especially in the second quarter. They earned a penalty corner (PC) to reduce the deficit. Hardik’s rebound shot appeared promising, but Toofans’ goalkeeper, Dixon, stood firm to deny them a goal. This missed opportunity by Rudras kept the pressure on them as they struggled to find a breakthrough.
Both teams had further chances through PCs, but the third quarter saw Hyderabad Toofans extend their lead. A brilliant interception led to Shilanand Lakra scoring a well-timed goal in the 32nd minute. His shot sailed past UP Rudras’ goalkeeper, Prashant Kumar Chauhan, putting the Toofans in a comfortable 3-0 position.
Late Push by UP Rudras Falls Short
UP Rudras made several attempts to score in the final quarter, including a crucial PC in the 49th minute. Floris Wortelboer’s efforts earned Rudras a shot at goal, but Dixon once again proved unbeatable. Despite their persistence, including a last-minute PC from Sam Ward, UP Rudras could not breach the Toofans’ defense.
In the match’s dying seconds, Hyderabad Toofans earned a PC, and Gonzalo Peillat’s flick came close but couldn’t add to the scoreline. Nevertheless, the Toofans held on to their well-earned 3-0 lead, marking their first victory in this season of the Hockey India League.
A Promising Future for Hyderabad Toofans
With this significant win, Hyderabad Toofans have set the tone for the remainder of the tournament. Rising from the bottom to fifth position in the points table, they have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with. Their stellar performance against UP Rudras, led by standout contributions from Zachary Wallace, Rajinder Singh, and Shilanand Lakra, has injected new energy into their campaign.
As the Hockey India League progresses, all eyes will be on Hyderabad Toofans to see if they can build on this momentum and climb further up the ranks.
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