The final phase of the National Women’s Hockey League 2024-2025 kicked off in Ranchi on Tuesday, with Haryana, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh securing victories in their respective matches.
In the first match of the day, Haryana defeated Manipur 7-1 in Pool A. Saavi (32′, 37′) and Kirti (45′, 56′) scored a brace each for Hockey Haryana. Khasa Shashi (11′), Supriya (54′), and Kirty (58′) also contributed with a goal each. In response, Deena Devi Naoram (2′) scored the lone consolation goal for Manipur Hockey.
In the next match, Odisha secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Bengal in a closely contested game. Dipika Barwa (3′) scored the decisive goal for Hockey Bengal in the first quarter.
In the third match, Madhya Pradesh defeated Maharashtra 2-0 in Pool A. Bhumiksha Sahu (4′) and captain Soniya Kumre (58′) scored in the first and final quarters, respectively, sealing the win for Hockey Madhya Pradesh.
The opening ceremony of the National Women’s Hockey League 2025 (Final Phase) took place on Tuesday at 6:00 PM at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium.
Following the ceremony, Jharkhand faced off against Mizoram in a Pool A match.
The participating teams in this phase of the tournament include Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Bengal, Mizoram, Manipur, and the Association of Odisha. The tournament follows a single-pool format, with each team playing against every other team once.
The winner of each match will earn three points, while a draw will result in both teams receiving one point. The team that finishes at the top of the points table at the end of the league matches will be crowned champions of this elite domestic tournament.
In Phase 1, held last year, Haryana topped the standings with 16 points from seven matches, while Jharkhand and Odisha finished in second and third place, respectively, just one point behind.