Ranchi, Dec. 29 -- Spirited SG Pipers defeated Ranchi Royals 2-0 in the opening match of the Women's Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 Season at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday. Captain Navneet Kaur (27') and Teresa Viana (46') scored the goals for SG Pipers.

The first quarter of the match was extremely tight with end-to-end action by both sides. Defences were on top as not a single penalty corner was given away in the opening minutes of the contest. Hannah Cotter of Ranchi Royals was creating problems for her opponents on the left flank, while the attacking duo of Navneet Kaur and Deepika were making the majority of circle entries for the SG Pipers in the first half.

Rutuja Dadaso Pisal won th...