Odisha Warriors Strike Gold: A Thrilling Finale, A Historic Triumph!

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In a spectacle of grit and glory at Ranchi’s iconic Astroturf Hockey Stadium, Odisha Warriors scripted history by defeating Surma Hockey Club to seize the coveted HIL Women’s Hockey Championship. The clash of titans kept the crowd on the edge of their seats, with both teams locked at 1–1 for most of the game. Then came the magic moment—just five minutes before the final whistle—when Rutuja Dadaso Pisal dazzled with a stunning field goal, outfoxing Surma’s star goalkeeper Savita Punia and etching the Warriors’ name in gold. Jubilant and beaming with pride, Odisha Warriors’ captain Neha declared that the victory was pure joy. She said that the girls had poured their hearts into every match and that they had waited a long time for the Women’s HIL. Now, holding their first-ever trophy, she added, felt like a dream come true. Reflecting on their strategy, Neha mentioned that Surma was a strong team with exceptionally fast players, so their plan revolved around maintaining sharp marking. While penalty corners had been their strength, she found it thrilling that both their goals had come from open play, which, according to her, proved their all-round ability. The journey to glory was no less dramatic. Odisha Warriors finished the league stage in second place with 13 points, trailing Surma by just two points. The spotlight shone bright on their star drag-flicker, Yibbi Jensen, the league’s joint top-scorer, who turned five penalty corners into goals and emerged as the team’s shining star. With this resounding victory, the Odisha Warriors have not only lifted their maiden title but also cemented their legacy as queens of the turf—ushering in a new era of dominance in women’s hockey.