Odisha Warriors get inaugural Women’s Hockey India League underway with thumping win.
The Women’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 kicked off with a vibrant opening ceremony in Ranchi.
Mrs. Kalpana Soren, Member of Legislative Assembly and wife of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, unveiled the tournament trophy alongside the captains of the four participating teams.
The event celebrated Jharkhand’s cultural heritage through dynamic performances, setting the tone for the opening match between Odisha
Warriors and Delhi SG Pipers.
The inaugural match began cautiously, with both teams taking time to settle in the first quarter. The breakthrough came in the 16th minute when Dutch player Yibbi Jansen converted a penalty corner to score the league’s first-ever goal.
Although the Pipers controlled possession and earned multiple penalty corners, the Warriors’ defense, anchored by goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram, held firm throughout the first half.
The second half saw the Warriors take control. Jansen doubled her tally with another penalty corner conversion in the 37th minute. Soon after, Baljeet Kaur (42’) and Freeke Moes (43’) scored back-to-back goals, giving the Warriors a dominant 4-0 lead.
Even after being reduced to 10 players following captain Neha’s yellow card in the 49th minute, the Warriors maintained a clean sheet, thwarting the Pipers’ efforts to find a late consolation goal.
JSW Soorma Hockey Club enjoy 4-1 dominant win over Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers
JSW Soorma Hockey Club opened their Women’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 campaign with an absolutely dominating 4-1 win over the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers.
The Tigers initially took the lead in the 7th minute through Hannah Cotter, but Soorma staged an impressive comeback in the third quarter with three rapid goals.
Olivia Shannon equalized in the 38th minute, followed by strikes from Charlotte Englebert in the 42nd minuteand Captain Salima Tete in the 44th. Sonam sealed the victory with a penalty stroke in the 47th minute.
Though a second-quarter goal was disallowed due to stick interference, Soorma’s relentless attacking and control of possession eventually turned the tide. The game’s momentum shifted with Shannon’s equalizer, which stemmed from a brilliant run by Penny Squibb and an assist from Deepika Soreng.
This pivotal moment ignited Soorma’s scoring spree, securing a dominant victory in their tournament opener.
Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers clinch narrow 1-0 win against Delhi SG Pipers
The Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers triumphed with a 1-0 victory over the Delhi SG Pipers in the Women’s HIL at Ranchi’s Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium.
Kathryn Mullan netted the decisive goal in the 23rd minute, skillfully lifting the ball over goalkeeper Elodie Picard during a counter-attack.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, including multiple penalty corners, the Pipers were repeatedly denied by Tigers’ goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon and a resilient defense.
The attacking trio of Deepika, Navneet Kaur, and Preeti Dubey posed consistent threats but struggled to convert opportunities.
The Tigers’ strong defensive stand secured their slender lead until the final whistle.
Soorma Hockey Club secure 2-1 victory over Odisha Warriors
Soorma Hockey Club clinched a 2-1 victory over Odisha Warriors in the Women’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25, played at Ranchi’s Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium.
Hina Bano initiated the scoring in the sixth minute with a counter-attack, and Sonam extended the lead in the 47th minute with a deft dink past the keeper.
Freeke Moes reduced the margin for the Warriors in the 57th minute with a reverse shot.The match was a thrilling encounter with end-to-end action as both teams created several chances.
Freeke Moes consistently threatened for the Warriors, earning multiple penalty corners and eventually scoring.
However, Soorma’s defense, led by goalkeeper Savita, stood resilient. On the offensive side, Soorma’s dynamic duo of Salima Tete and Sonam troubled the Warriors’ defense throughout, employing an effective counter-attacking approach to secure their second win of the tournament.
Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers 1-1 Odisha Warriors (2-3, SO)
The Odisha Warriors triumphed over the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers with a dramatic penalty shootout victory, clinching a 3-2 win after the match ended 1-1 in regular time. Goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram was the standout performer, saving three penalty attempts to secure the win.
The Warriors took the lead In the eighth minute when Baljeet Kaur deflected a shot from Victoria Sauze into the net. However, the Tigers leveled the score early in the second quarter through Beauty Dungdung, whose sharp strike slipped through Bartram’s legs.
Both teams had opportunities to break the deadlock, but missed chances defined the match. The Tigers struggled to convert several penalty corners, while the Warriors’ Michelle Fillet failed to capitalize on a golden opportunity. In the 58th minute, Rutuja Pisal nearly won it for the Warriors, but her attempt was brilliantly stopped by Tigers’ goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon. Ultimately, Bartram’s excellence in the shootout ensured a hard-fought victory for the Warriors.
Delhi SG Pipers 2-0 Soorma Hockey Club
Delhi SG Pipers celebrated their first victory of the season in the Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 with a 2-0 win over league leaders JSW Soorma Hockey Club at Rourkela’s Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium.
The opening goal came in the second quarter when Sangita Kumari skillfully deflected a penalty corner shot from Stephanie de Groof, marking the Pipers’ first goal of the season.
The match was defined by strong defensive efforts from both sides. Soorma’s goalkeeper, Savita, made several excellent saves early on, while the Pipers’ defense, led by goalkeeperElodie Picard, held firm despite heavy pressure.
Soorma had opportunities, particularly through penalty corners, but they struggled to convert their chances into goals. The Pipers sealed the win In the final quarter when Deepika converted a penalty with a precise flick into the left corner, making it 2-0.
Despite Soorma’s continued attacking pressure and efforts to stage a comeback, the Pipers controlled possession in the final moments, effectively ending their winless streak against the league-topping Soorma Hockey Club.
●How to watches Women HIL Matches Live ?
The matches will be broadcast on multiple channels and in multiple languages. The lineup Includes the Doordarshan network, including DD Sports, as well as Sony Sports Network Sony Ten 1, 3, and 4.
For digital audiences, the matches will be available to stream on Sony LIV and Waves, the new OTT platform by Prasar Bharati
