The Odisha Women’s Sub-Junior team demonstrated an exceptional performance in the 13th Hockey India Sub-Junior Women’s National Championship 2023 held in Rourkela, where they secured an admirable bronze medal.
Coached by our HPC coaches Pinhas Das and Md. Ismail, the team had been practicing well for over a month with two camps organised in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela right before the tournament. 7 HPC cadets made the final squad of 18 including 2 goalkeepers – Amisha and Pabitra Hodam.
Odisha’s journey at the tournament commenced with dominant victories in the group stage, overpowering Kerala with an 20-0 score line, followed by a convincing 9-0 win against Rajasthan and an 8-1 triumph over Mizoram. This outstanding display of skill allowed them to top Pool E.
The players were delighted with the opportunity to play at the marvelous Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela which played host to the FIH Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 four months ago.
Moving into the quarter-finals, Odisha faced a tough challenge from Madhya Pradesh but managed to emerge victorious with a narrow 2-1 scoreline. However, they faced defeat in the semi-finals against Haryana, losing 1-3 in the shootout after a 1-1 draw.
Nevertheless, the Odisha team exhibited their determination and resilience in the bronze medal match against Uttar Pradesh. Although the match ended in a 1-1 draw, Odisha emerged triumphant in the shootout, securing a final score of 4-3. Tanuja Toppo, Binati Minz, Amisha Ekka, and Sonali Ekka were the goal scorers in the decisive penalty shootout, ultimately securing the bronze medal for their team.
Dholi Bhai emerged as a standout player for Odisha, impressively scoring a total of 8 goals throughout the tournament, making her the top scorer for the team.
The remarkable performance of the Odisha Women’s Sub-Junior team, along with their individual achievements, underscores their exceptional skill and dedication. Their success in securing the bronze medal is a testament to their hard work and promising future in the realm of women’s hockey.
