In a stunning turn of events, the Hockey Association of Odisha outclassed the reigning national champion, Hockey Haryana, in the opening match of the National Women’s Hockey League 2024-2025. The match, held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, saw Odisha secure a commanding 4-1 victory.
Women’s Hockey League: Odisha’s dominance right from the beginning
The match began with Haryana drawing first blood. Shashi Khasa capitalized on a fumble made by Odisha’s goalkeeper Bhabhika Majhi during a penalty corner and netted the ball in from point-blank range. Haryana managed to maintain their 1-0 lead till the halftime break.
However, the tide turned in the second half. Rambha Kujur of the Hockey Association of Odisha deflected in the penalty corner to restore parity for Odisha early in the second half. Momentum swung decisively in Odisha’s favour when Sonali Ekka netted a brace. Captain Dipi Monika Toppo converted a penalty corner in the dying minutes to cement Odisha’s commanding 4-1 victory.
This victory was particularly sweet for Odisha as it avenged the 4-1 defeat they suffered against Haryana in the quarterfinals of the 14th Senior Women National Championship in Pune on 20 March 2024.
Hockey Association of Odisha staged an incredible second-half comeback, overturning Team Hockey Haryana early lead with 4 unanswered goals for a thrilling #NWHL24 opener! Catch more live action on @Fancode
1/2#HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #NWHL24
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.@CMO_Odisha… pic.twitter.com/uhVUQPck1H— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) April 30, 2024
The National Women’s Hockey League, in its first phase, is witnessing the top eight teams of the last Hockey India Senior Women National Championship compete. The teams include Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Bengal, Mizoram, and Manipur, in addition to Odisha and Haryana.
Odisha’s team, captained by Drupati Naik and coached by Vandana Uikey, showcased exceptional skill and strategy in their opening match. The team comprises talented players like Bhabika Majhi, Rose Mary Xalxo, Suman Hemrom, Ahalya Lakra, Sonali Ekka, Reshma Toppo, Mariyam Dhanwar, Tanuja Toppo, Nisha Dadel, Amisha Ekka, Prativa Kindo, Dipi Monika Toppo, Ashima Rout, Karuna Minz, Pratibha Ekka, Rambha Kujur, and Amisha Kullu.
This victory sets a promising tone for Odisha in the league. It will be interesting to see how the team performs in their upcoming match against Madhya Pradesh. The league, scheduled to conclude on May 9, promises more exciting matches and showcases of exceptional talent.
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