Chennai, Jan. 4 -- Defending champions Shrachi Bengal Tigers opened their Men's Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 campaign with a confident 3-1 victory over Soorma Hockey Club at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, Egmore, on Friday.

For the Tigers, Sukhjeet Singh (33'), Abhishek (45') and Gursewak Singh (60'), while a lone goal was scored by Prabhjot Singh (54') for Soorma, as per a Hockey India press release.

The opening quarter was evenly balanced, with both teams looking to settle into the contest. Soorma tried to stretch the Tigers' defence by switching play and using long passes, while the Tigers relied on quick counter-attacks and aerial balls into the circle. Despite a few promising moves from Nicolas Poncelet and Tommy Will...