The Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 concluded in style as Odisha Warriors emerged victorious in the tournament’s inaugural edition. With a nail-biting 2-1 win over Soorma Hockey Club, the Warriors lifted the coveted title at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday.
Rutuja Dadaso Pisal delivered a stellar performance, scoring twice (20’, 56’) to lead her team to glory. While Soorma’s Penny Squibb (28’) managed to equalize in the second quarter, Rutuja’s decisive strike in the final moments sealed the championship for Odisha Warriors.
The final kicked off with high energy as Odisha Warriors, led by Freeke Moes, made an early circle entry. However, JSW Soorma Hockey Club’s strong defensive setup, spearheaded by goalkeeper Savita, kept the Warriors at bay. Despite back-and-forth action, the first quarter ended without any goals as both teams displayed excellent control but struggled to capitalize on chances.
The breakthrough came in the second quarter when a deflected pass from Victoria Sauze found Rutuja, who lofted the ball over Savita to give the Warriors a 1-0 lead. Soorma responded quickly, earning a penalty corner in the dying minutes of the quarter. Penny Squibb stepped up and delivered a powerful drag flick past Warriors’ keeper Jocelyn Bartram, leveling the score at 1-1.
End-to-End Action In The Second Half
The third quarter saw Soorma taking the initiative with Charlotte Englebert and Olivia Shannon testing Bartram repeatedly. A penalty corner opportunity for Soorma nearly tilted the game in their favor, but the Warriors’ defense held firm. Both teams fought hard to regain control, creating an end-to-end contest that remained goalless through the third quarter.
In a tense final quarter, both teams played cautiously, knowing the stakes. The Warriors earned their first penalty corner with eight minutes remaining, but Neha’s shot soared over the goal. Moments later, Rutuja seized an opportunity, picking up a loose ball in the circle and driving it between Savita’s legs to regain the lead for Odisha.
Despite Soorma’s relentless advances in the final moments, the Warriors’ defense held strong. They even earned another penalty corner, but Yibbi Jansen’s attempt was thwarted. As the clock ran out, Odisha Warriors celebrated their hard-fought 2-1 victory, clinching the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League title.
The final showcased the best of women’s hockey, blending skill, strategy, and determination. Odisha Warriors’ win not only marked the beginning of a new era for women’s hockey in India but also set a high standard for future editions of the league. Rutuja Dadaso Pisal’s decisive performance will be remembered as a defining moment in this historic victory.
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