On the seventh day of the National Women’s Hockey League 2024 (Phase 1), the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, was a testament to the fierce determination and exceptional skill of Hockey Bengal and Hockey Haryana. These teams, known for their unwavering dedication and prowess, have consistently performed at their best in the league. Their matches on May 7 were no exception, leaving the audience in awe of their forte and commitment.
It was a thrilling spectacle of skill and strategy. As the sun cast its golden hues on the stadium field, Bengal and Odisha engaged in a fierce battle. Bengal led the game from the start with their strategic prowess and graceful agility. The players moved in perfect harmony, and each pass was a testament to their coordination. Bengal’s forward, Riya Singh, was a game master, orchestrating the moves that broke through Odisha’s defenses, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
BENGAL TRIUMPHS OVER ODISHA
Hockey Bengal emerged victorious in the day’s opening showdown with a narrow 2-1 win over the Hockey Association of Odisha. Bengal’s dominance was evident as they showcased relentless attacking prowess and swift, graceful passing throughout the match. The breakthrough came in the second quarter when Shanti Horo (23’), a key player in Bengal’s offensive line, exhibited sheer brilliance, maneuvering past Odisha’s defense before unleashing a thunderous shot into the net.
The momentum swung further in Bengal’s favor in the second half when Shanti Horo (39’) capitalized on an unmarked opportunity in the D area, precisely slotting home her second goal. Despite Odisha’s valiant efforts, they managed to claw back a goal in the final quarter through Dipi Monika Toppo (51’), who converted a penalty corner. Nevertheless, Bengal held firm, securing the victory by a slender margin. Despite the loss, the Hockey Association of Odisha, who had been leading the points table with 12 points from six matches, remained a formidable contender.
HARYANA TRIUMPHS OVER MAHARASHTRA
Hockey Haryana emerged victorious in a nail-biting encounter against Hockey Maharashtra, securing a 2-1 win in the day’s second match. From the start, Hockey Haryana showcased their dominance, controlling possession and setting the pace. The breakthrough came from Manju Chorsiya (12’), who seized an opportunity to score from open play, giving Haryana an early lead. In the second half, Haryana further strengthened their position with Pooja (37’) converting a penalty corner with precision, extending their lead. Despite Maharashtra’s relentless efforts and multiple opportunities, including four penalty corners, they converted only one. Sukanya Dhaware (55’) scored a field goal in the dying minutes, narrowing the deficit for her team, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Haryana’s lead.
Later in the day, Hockey Madhya Pradesh will face off against Hockey Mizoram, and Hockey Jharkhand will clash with Manipur Hockey.
Reflecting on the matches from late May 6 evening, Hockey Madhya Pradesh overpowered Manipur Hockey with a decisive 6-2 victory, while Hockey Haryana edged out Hockey Jharkhand in a tense shootout, winning 4-1 after the regular time ended in a 1-1 draw.
With a resilient reputation, Odisha countered with their pulsating dribbles and swift sprints. Their star midfielder, Ananya Patra, wove through the opposition with the elegance of a river flowing effortlessly against the current. However, the day belonged to Bengal, whose players seemed to glide across the field with the ease of seasoned dancers. The final score, a smooth 3-1, was a testament to Bengal’s animated dominance.
As the game progressed, Shanti Horo again seized the spotlight in the second half, deftly finding the net, ensuring Bengal’s dominance continued. Despite a late resurgence from Odisha, with Dipi Monika Toppo, a key player in their team, converting a penalty corner, Bengal’s early lead proved insurmountable.
“The National Women’s Hockey League has not just been a tournament; it has unfolded as a poignant narrative of triumph, challenge, and the undying love for hockey that binds players and fans alike”
Meanwhile, in a thrilling face-off, Haryana edged out Maharashtra with a 2-1 scoreline in the second drama-filled match. From the outset, Haryana took charge, dictating the pace and flow of the game with their aggressive playstyle.
Manju Chorsiya, a key player in Haryana’s offensive line, opened the scoring with a splendid goal from open play at the 12-minute mark, setting the stage for a fierce contest. Haryana’s determination bore fruit in the second half as Pooja skillfully executed a penalty corner, a strategy they had been practicing rigorously, to extend their lead. Undeterred, Maharashtra fought back valiantly and narrowed the gap with Sukanya Dhaware’s late field goal, but Haryana’s early efforts were enough to secure victory.
The day was a testament to the spirited battles and heartfelt displays of skill that define the National Women’s Hockey League. It showcased the prowess, deep passion, and resilience of all teams involved. The unwavering dedication of these athletes to their sport is truly inspiring.
As the sun descended, stretching shadows across the astroturf, the reverberations of the morning’s triumphs still hummed in the air. The stadium, a vessel of dreams and aspirations, braced itself to host further confrontations as Madhya Pradesh took on Mizoram and Jharkhand under the fading light. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, the vibrant energy of the spectators infusing the arena with a mix of hope and exhilaration as they awaited the unfolding of yet more thrilling battles.
The previous day, Day 6, had already set a high benchmark at the same illustrious stadium, with Bengal and Odisha each seizing victories that resonated deeply with their supporters. In a particularly intense showdown, Bengal overcame Mizoram with a slim but decisive 1-0 win. It was a game marked by strategic brilliance and steely determination, where Shivani Kumari, a rising star in Bengal’s team, found just a sliver of space to send a precise strike into the goal, breaking the deadlock and the hearts of the Mizoram fans in the 18th minute.
Despite Mizoram’s relentless pressure and numerous chances, including four penalty corners, Bengal’s resolute defense and strategic gameplay thwarted their efforts, a testament to their rigorous training and preparation.
In another heart-stopping match, Odisha triumphed over Maharashtra with a scoreline that mirrored their intense commitment and tactical acumen. The game was a ballet of power and precision, with both teams vying for dominance.
Odisha’s Dipi Monika Toppo managed to pierce through the tight defense to score an early goal, setting a determined pace. Maharashtra responded fervently, pushing back with Sunita Kumari’s equalizer that briefly promised a comeback. However, the joy was short-lived as Odisha’s Karuna Minz seized a crucial opportunity, converting a penalty corner in the dying moments to clinch a 2-1 victory.
Each game in the league has been more than just a contest of skills; it has been a profound expression of the athletes’ enduring spirit and their unyielding desire to excel and inspire. The National Women’s Hockey League 2024 has not just been a tournament; it has unfolded as a poignant narrative of triumph, challenge, and the undying love for hockey that binds players and fans alike. As the league progresses, it continues to weave these emotional, exhilarating tales of victory and valor, capturing the hearts of all who witness its unfolding saga.
As the stars claim the sky, the air thick with the residue of day’s exertions, the stadium’s lights shine like beacons, guiding the path for future battles. In this arena, every drop of sweat and breath taken speaks of the undying love for the game, sacrifices made, and the glory chased, not just for personal triumph but for the team’s honor and pride in the regions they represent. The fans, their faces painted with their teams’ colors, their voices hoarse from cheering, continue filling the stadium with unwavering support and passion.
This league, a saga woven from the threads of determination and dreams, continues to inspire not only the players on the field but also the young hearts watching from the stands or through screens, dreaming of one day stepping into those shoes, gripping the stick, and being part of this beautiful, relentless pursuit of excellence. As Pooja, a player from Haryana, said, ‘Playing in this league is a dream come true. We train hard, we play hard, and we leave everything on the field. It’s not just a game for us; it’s a way of life.’
The whistle might mark the end of a match, but the stories of these matches go on, carried in the hearts of those who witnessed them, in the silent nods of respect exchanged between rivals, in tears of joy and the sighs of despair. These stories, these moments, don’t just define the National Women’s Hockey League; they are etched into the soul of the sport, a testament to the spirit that drives it, a spirit that refuses to dim, as vibrant as the field under the floodlights. These emotional connections are what make the sport so powerful and captivating.
As the Women’s Hockey League 2024 continues, Day 7’s performances will be remembered as a beautiful chapter in the sports saga. Bengal and Haryana, with their outshining victories, have not only set high standards for the matches to come but also painted their aspirations with broad strokes of potential and vibrant colors of hope.
