Is Deepika’s Stunning Field Goal Against the Netherlands the Best Moment of the Season?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Deepika nominated for the Poligras Magic Skill Award.
- Stunning field goal against World No.1 Netherlands.
- Voting closes on July 14 at 3:29 am IST.
- Deepika’s goal was crucial to India’s success in the match.
- Other nominees showcase remarkable skills in hockey.
New Delhi, July 6 (NationPress) Indian women’s hockey team forward Deepika has been nominated for the Poligras Magic Skill Award due to her extraordinary solo field goal against the World No.1 team, the Netherlands, during the 2024-25 FIH Hockey Pro League season.
The nominations for the Poligras Magic Skill Award for the 2024/25 FIH Hockey Pro League season were revealed on Friday, with voting closing on July 14 at 3:29 am IST. The winner will be announced after the voting concludes, with fans across the globe playing a crucial role in selecting the best moment and goal of the season.
Deepika delivered this iconic moment in February 2025 during the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League, where the Indian Team overcame the Netherlands in a thrilling shootout following a 2-2 draw at the Kalinga Stadium.
In the 35th minute, Deepika executed a remarkable field goal while her team was down by two goals. She skillfully maneuvered down the left side, bypassing the Netherlands’ defense, touched the baseline, lifted the ball over a defender’s stick, and concluded with a stunning strike into the net.
“That goal against the Netherlands is one of the most special moments of my career. Everything just clicked, allowing us to equalize and eventually win in the shootout. I’m honored to receive a nomination for the Poligras Magic Skill Award and deeply appreciate our fans’ support. Moments like these are the essence of our hard work. Your votes inspire me to excel and represent India with pride. I must also thank my coaches, support staff, and especially my teammates for their unwavering belief in my abilities,” said the 21-year-old forward.
Alongside Deepika’s remarkable goal, the women’s nominees for the Poligras Magic Skill Award include two more incredible displays of skill. Patricia Alvarez showcased her 3D skills and goal for Spain against Australia, demonstrating exceptional technique to win the ball and deftly juggle it over the advancing goalkeeper into the net. The third nomination recognizes the outstanding team goal by Australia’s women's team against England, where the Hockeyroos executed a brilliant sequence of five passes leading to a fantastic strike into the goal.
The global voting process is now open for fans to select their favorite skill from the 2024/25 FIH Hockey Pro League season.