Hockey buffs in Ranchi are all smiles after their home team's nail-biting victory at Astroturf Hockey Stadium on Thursday.

Defending champion Ranchi Rays beat Kalinga Lancers 3-2 in the fourth edition of Hockey India League on home turf.

Down by 2-0 in the first half, Rays unleashed a frontal attack on Lancers in the second half, scoring their first goal in 38th minute. Two more followed 10 minutes later. The 4,500-strong crowd erupted with cheers.

Text by A.S.R.P. Mukesh; picture by Hardeep Singh