Day 6 of the Final Phase of the National Women’s Hockey League witnessed intense on-field action and dramatic finishes as Odisha, Maharashtra, and Bengal claimed crucial victories in their respective matches. The day brimmed with skill, strategy, and some last-minute heroics that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Each game highlighted the grit and determination of these teams as they battled to secure a better position in the ongoing tournament.
Odisha Claims a Shoot-Out Victory Over Mizoram
In the opening match of the day in Pool A, the Hockey Association of Odisha locked horns with Hockey Mizoram. Odisha started the game with sharp focus and dominated the early exchanges. Their aggression paid off early in the first quarter when Sanjana Kiro broke through the defense and netted a brilliant goal in the 5th minute. With this early lead, Odisha settled into their rhythm and began dictating the pace of the game.
Mizoram, however, didn’t let the early goal dampen their spirits. They fought hard to stay in the match, gradually pushing Odisha onto the back foot. Despite their persistence, they couldn’t penetrate Odisha’s strong defensive setup until the final quarter. In the 55th minute, Laltlanchhungi seized the moment and scored the equalizer, igniting hope for Mizoram in the dying minutes.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time, and both teams braced for a shoot-out. Here, Odisha stepped up their game.
Drupti Naik and Captain Sumi Mundari showed nerves of steel as they converted two out of the first three chances in the shoot-out. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Namsi Jarika emerged as the hero for Odisha. She displayed extraordinary reflexes and composure, saving all four shoot-out attempts from Mizoram. Her stellar performance ensured Odisha sealed the win 1-1 (SO 2-0) and added another crucial victory to their campaign.
Maharashtra Crushes Manipur With a 4-0 Win
Hockey Maharashtra faced off against Manipur Hockey in the second match of the day and delivered a dominating performance. Right from the start, Maharashtra controlled the game’s tempo and left little room for Manipur to breathe.
The team made their intentions clear within the first three minutes. Sanika Chandrakant Mane struck early, giving Maharashtra the lead with a clinical finish that caught Manipur off-guard. Maharashtra maintained the pressure throughout the match, showcasing cohesive passing and efficient ball control.
After a goalless second quarter, Tanushree Dinesh Kadu doubled Maharashtra’s lead in the 36th minute. She made a clean run into the circle and scored with confidence, pushing Manipur further on the defensive.
The final quarter witnessed Maharashtra shift into top gear. Sanjana Raikwar joined the scoring party in the 54th minute with a precise field goal, and just five minutes later, Nikku Gurjar added a fourth. Her sharp strike in the 59th minute sealed the game at 4-0. Maharashtra walked off the field with a comprehensive victory that not only gave them three points but also boosted their goal difference significantly.
Hockey Bengal Edges Past Maharashtra in a Tight Contest
In a surprising twist, Hockey Bengal met Hockey Maharashtra later in the day in a separate fixture, and this time, the game turned out to be a defensive battle from start to finish. Both teams, having already showcased their attacking capabilities, switched strategies to focus on structure and discipline.
For most of the game, defenders from both sides worked overtime to shut down every scoring opportunity. The midfielders, too, played a pivotal role in breaking down plays and slowing the momentum. Maharashtra looked for openings through counterattacks, while Bengal relied on short passes and circle penetrations.
As the clock ticked down, the match appeared destined to end in a goalless draw. But Shanti Horo, who had been threatening throughout the match, decided otherwise. In the 59th minute, she broke free inside the circle and scored a decisive goal for Bengal. Her goal stunned Maharashtra, who didn’t have enough time left to mount a comeback.
Bengal’s 1-0 win over Maharashtra proved their resilience and ability to deliver in crunch moments. This narrow but important victory helped them maintain their momentum in the tournament.
Key Takeaways From Day 6
- Odisha’s Defensive Grit: While Odisha didn’t score after the early goal, their defensive discipline and composure in the shoot-out, especially from goalkeeper Namsi Jarika, proved to be the game-changer.
- Maharashtra’s Firepower: Maharashtra’s 4-0 victory over Manipur highlighted their offensive depth. With four different goal scorers, the team demonstrated a collective attacking threat that few teams can match.
- Bengal’s Late Heroics: The match-winner from Shanti Horo was a testament to Bengal’s ability to fight until the final whistle. Their solid defensive showing against a strong Maharashtra side showed their growing confidence.
- Shoot-Out Pressure: The match between Odisha and Mizoram once again showcased how critical it is for teams to remain calm during shoot-outs. Odisha capitalized on the moment, while Mizoram faltered under pressure.
What Lies Ahead
With every passing day, the competition tightens. Teams now find themselves in do-or-die scenarios, where every point matters. Odisha’s and Bengal’s latest wins give them a slight edge in Pool A, while Maharashtra’s big win keeps them in contention despite their later loss.
The intensity on Day 6 proves that no team can afford to take their foot off the gas. The upcoming matches will demand not just fitness and tactics, but also mental toughness and the ability to deliver under pressure.
As we inch closer to the concluding phase of the National Women’s Hockey League, one thing is certain: the fight for supremacy will only get fiercer, and fans can expect more thrilling hockey in the days to come.
