Ranchi, March 28 (NationPress) Hockey Haryana has been crowned as the champions of the Final Phase of the National Women’s Hockey League 2024-2025 after a thrilling match where they triumphed over the Hockey Association of Odisha with a score of 3-2 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf in Ranchi, Jharkhand.

In this much-anticipated final of the eleven-day tournament, Hockey Haryana showcased their superiority, clinching the title against Hockey Association of Odisha with a narrow victory. The scoreboard was first opened by Ahalya Lakra (8’) for Hockey Association of Odisha, but Hockey Haryana had other plans. Kajal scored two goals (12’, 22’) for her team, complemented by Saavi (44’) who added another to the tally. The defense of Hockey Haryana effectively limited the opponent's scoring opportunities after the initial goal, although Dipika Barwa (54’) managed to find the net for Hockey Association of Odisha in the dying moments of the match. Ultimately, Hockey Haryana maintained their lead until the final whistle blew.

“Our team, Hockey Haryana, is renowned for its aggressive style of play, and that was our strategy today as well. I encouraged the players to play freely and focus on an attacking approach. We have faced Hockey Association of Odisha in the past and understood their efficiency in converting penalty corners; our team executed a solid performance in limiting their scoring opportunities, which was crucial in today’s match,” stated Dilbag Singh, the Head Coach representing Hockey Haryana during this tournament.

In the match for the 3rd/4th position, Hockey Jharkhand narrowly defeated Hockey Madhya Pradesh with a score of 1-0, securing a podium finish. Sweety Dungdung (12’) netted the decisive goal during the first quarter of the game.