Odisha Warriors

Odisha Warriors Lift The Women’s HIL

The Odisha Warriors won the very first Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) with a 2-1 victory over JSW Soorma Hockey Club on Sunday, January 26, 2025.

Odisha Warriors’ Star Performer

A sensational performance from Rutuja Pisal took the Odisha Warriors over the line. The win is both gold and redemption for head coach Janneke Schopman of Odisha, who suffered a bitter loss in the very same venue several years ago as the then-coach for India.

Odisha Warriors’ Slow Start, Stunning Finish

The match, played on a charged evening, had a slow start with little action in the opening quarter. However, brilliant field goals from Rutuja Pisal in the second quarter broke the deadlock and set the tone for the game. A high ball from Victoria Sauze looked to go out but Pisal expertly guided it over Soorma’s goalkeeper Savita Punia putting Odisha ahead.

Soorma’s Counter And The Equalizer

Soorma, who had won the league stage, put up pressure, which paid off as Penny Squib scored from a penalty corner in the second quarter to tie the game 1-1. The PC conversion was a turning point in the game, as Soorma had gone through the entire tournament without capitalizing on any PC.

Odisha’s Counter-Attack Seals The Deal

However, it was Odisha’s field play that sealed the win. Though they defended valiantly against Soorma’s frenetic onslaught in the final few minutes, Neha Goyal inspired a devastating countering attack that saw Pisal run past defenders to clip an exceptional finish past Savita and send Odisha ahead for good.

Final Defensive Stand Holds Off Soorma

Soorma would move ahead but in the end, Odisha had defended their defense quite tight with the last-tackle saves that would ensure their win. A tough contest where the Odisha team had relied heavily on drag flicker Yibi Janssen finally won the match with incredible field goals and clinched the title.

Odisha Warriors Siege Victory

Odisha Warriors win their first Women’s HIL, with their perseverance, timely finishing, and superb team play, thus giving them a testament that the first-ever champions of what would surely be a thrilling inaugural season of the Women’s HIL.

The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye

Share

Share