Lucknow: The UP Rudras ended their Hockey India League (HIL) campaign on a high note with a victory over the Tamil Nadu Dragons, but narrowly missed out on a quarterfinal berth by a single point. Despite falling short of the top four, the team’s performance throughout the season was filled with resilience, discipline, and notable individual brilliance.
The Lucknow-based franchise secured five wins, suffered four losses, and registered one draw in their ten league matches. Their disciplined approach earned them the prestigious Fair Play Award, and they conceded the fewest goals (22) in the tournament—thanks largely to goalkeeper James Mazarello’s exceptional shot-stopping ability.
A Season of Mixed Fortunes
While the Rudras started strong, a few crucial errors in the latter part of the tournament cost them a chance to advance to the knockout stage. Despite this, captain Hardik Singh remained positive about the team’s progress and the invaluable experience gained throughout the season.
“I am extremely proud of the squad, even if the season didn’t end the way we wanted,” Hardik said. “What truly matters is that we gave our best effort in every game. The camaraderie and dedication among the players have been incredible. We made significant strides, even if there were some setbacks along the way.”
The squad featured a balanced mix of young talents like Talem Priyobarta, Sudeep Chirmako, and James Mazarello, alongside experienced internationals such as Kane Russell, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, and Tanguy Cosyns. Known for their fearless playing style, the Rudras displayed grit and determination throughout the competition.
Looking Ahead
Despite missing out on qualification, the team remains focused on building for the future. Hardik Singh reaffirmed their commitment to learning from their mistakes and returning stronger next season.
“We’ll learn from this season and come back better next year. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our fans for their unwavering support. Representing the UP Rudras has been an absolute privilege,” Hardik added.
League Standings and Champions
The Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, Hyderabad Toofans, Tamil Nadu Dragons, and Soorma Hockey Club secured the top four spots, with the Bengal Tigers ultimately emerging as champions.
As the curtain falls on this year’s campaign, the UP Rudras remain optimistic about the future, determined to rectify their mistakes and aim for greater success in the next edition of the HIL.
