Odisha Warriors Triumph in Historic Women’s Hockey India League Final with 2-1 Victory

Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], January 26: The Odisha Warriors have emerged as the inaugural champions of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 after securing a thrilling 2-1 victory over JSW Soorma Hockey Club in the final held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday.

The match, which was a nail-biting affair from the very first whistle, saw Rutuja Dadaso Pisal playing a pivotal role for the Warriors, scoring both goals that ultimately sealed their victory. Pisal’s strikes came in the 20th and 56th minutes, with her second goal being the game-winner. Penny Squibb of Soorma found the equalizer in the 28th minute, but the Warriors held their nerve and maintained their advantage to claim the title.

The game began with both teams showcasing strong defensive plays. Odisha Warriors’ Freeke Moes made the first circle entry of the match, but Soorma’s defense held firm, slowly rotating possession to gain control. Despite some back-and-forth play, the first quarter ended in a goalless draw with both teams unable to convert their chances.

In the second quarter, the breakthrough came unexpectedly when Rutuja capitalized on a deflected pass from Victoria Sauze. The ball was lofted into the circle, and Rutuja took advantage, deftly lifting it over the Soorma goalkeeper, Savita, to give the Warriors a 1-0 lead. Soorma responded strongly, earning a penalty corner in the dying moments of the quarter. Penny Squibb’s drag flick found the back of the net, leveling the score at 1-1 just before halftime.

The third quarter saw a surge in intensity from Soorma, with Charlotte Englebert and Olivia Shannon testing Warriors goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram with a series of shots. Soorma earned another penalty corner within five minutes, but Jyoti’s attempt was blocked by the Warriors’ defense. Both teams continued to press for the advantage, but the score remained tied as the third quarter came to a close.

The final quarter was marked by tension, with both sides playing cautiously as the game neared its conclusion. Odisha Warriors earned a penalty corner with eight minutes remaining, but Neha’s attempt went wide. Moments later, on a counterattack, Rutuja pounced on a loose ball in the circle and fired it through Savita’s legs, giving the Warriors a 2-1 lead.

With just minutes remaining, Soorma pushed forward, earning another penalty corner, but the Warriors’ defense held strong to thwart their efforts. A final penalty corner for the Warriors in the closing seconds was also defended well, ensuring that the Warriors held on to their lead and clinched the historic victory.

This win marks a historic moment for the Odisha Warriors, who became the first-ever champions of the Women’s Hockey India League, a tournament that promises to be a significant platform for women’s hockey in India. The hard-fought 2-1 victory over a resilient JSW Soorma Hockey Club will be remembered as a landmark moment in the history of Indian women’s sports.