Though hardik

Determined Hyderabad Toofans: Hyderabad Toofans came up with an inspired performance to beat UP Rudras 3-0 to register their first out-right victory in the Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 at the Birsa Munda Stadium here on Wednesday. Goals by Zachary Wallace (6'), Rajinder Singh (14'), and Shilanand Lakra (32') helped Toofans seal the winning points and claw their way back to No.5 on the points table.

Placed in the bottom of the points table, Hyderabad Toofans showcased their intent to win right from the start. With good attacking structure on display, they took an early 2-0 lead in the first quarter of the game. It was a stupendous back-handed shot by Zachary Wallace that fetched them the first goal of the game in the sixth minute while attacking midfielder Nilakanta Sharma set up Rajinder Singh to score a splendid field goal in the 14th minute.

Starting the game on the back foot, UP Rudras looked to bounce back in the second quarter. They managed a fine chance through a PC. A good injection by Hardik Singh was picked up well by Kane Russell but it was brilliantly stopped by Toofans' goalie Dominic Dixon. Though Hardik picked up the rebound and took a shot on the goal himself, Dixon was impeccable in his duty. In the following minutes, Toofans too bagged a PC but could not extend the lead.