Hockey Captain Scores Hat-Trick on 36th Birthday

Tom Boon couldn't have scripted a better 36th birthday as he scored a hat-trick to power Ranchi Royals into the Hockey India League final with a stunning 3-2 comeback victory.

The Royals captain showed age is just a number at Kalinga Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, converting three crucial goals after his team fell behind early. Hyderabad Toofans struck first when Jacob Anderson scored in the fifth minute, but Boon wasn't about to let his special day end in disappointment.

Boon equalized in the 13th minute with a penalty stroke, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. Just two minutes later, he gave the Royals the lead with a clever angled flick from a penalty corner that caught goalkeeper Jean-Paul Danneberg off guard.

The Belgian striker sealed his hat-trick in the 34th minute with a brilliant shot through a defender's legs. His three goals proved enough despite a late push from the Toofans, who scored through Amandeep Ekka and pulled their goalkeeper in a desperate final attempt.

Why This Inspires

Boon's performance reminds us that peak moments can arrive at any age. At 36, when many athletes consider retirement, the veteran captain delivered when his team needed him most, proving experience and determination can outshine youth.

His birthday heroics avenged an earlier loss to the same opponent and earned the Royals a Republic Day final showdown. The timing couldn't be more perfect for India's national celebration.

Now Ranchi Royals will face Vedanta Kalinga Lancers on Monday for the championship title. Thanks to one captain's unforgettable birthday performance, they'll have a chance to lift the trophy on one of India's most important holidays.