Odisha Make Winning Start At 1st National Women’s Hockey League In Ranchi

Ranchi: Odisha made a victorious start in the 1st National Women’s Hockey League (Phase-1) 2024-25, trouncing Haryana 4-1 in the opening match at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Tuesday.

Sonali Ekka scored a brace, while Rambha Kujur and Dipi Monika Toppo contributed one goal each in the Odisha win.

With this thumping win, Odisha avenged the 4-1 defeat they suffered against Haryana in the quarterfinals of the 14th Senior Women National Championship in Pune on 20 March 2024.

Top eight teams of the last Hockey India Senior Women National Championship are competing in the first of the two-phase NWHL, which is scheduled to conclude on May 9. Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Bengal, Mizoram and Manipur are other six teams in the fray.

Drupati Naik is captaining the 18-member Odisha team with Vandana Uikey as coach. The first phase of NWHL will feature a total of 28 matches. Odisha will play their second match against Madhya Pradesh tomorrow.

The Odisha women’s team comprise Bhabika Majhi (GK), Rose Mary Xalxo, Suman Hemrom, Ahalya Lakra, Sonali Ekka, Reshma Toppo, Mariyam Dhanwar, Tanuja Toppo, Nisha Dadel, Drupati Naik (Captain), Amisha Ekka, Prativa Kindo, Dipi Monika Toppo, Ashima Rout, Karuna Minz, Pratibha Ekka, Rambha Kujur, Amisha Kullu (GK).

While Vandana Uikey is the coach, Neha Singh is the Manager.

Courtesy: orisports.com