Odisha Warriors crowned as inaugural champions of Women's Hockey India League

Odisha Warriors have been crowned as the inaugural champions of the Women's Hockey India League on Sunday, January 26. The Warriors secured the title with a 2-1 win over Soorma Hockey Club in the final. Rutuja Dadaso Pisal was the star of the show for the Warriors as she scored both the goals for her side in the 20th and 56th minute. Penny Squibb (28’) equalised for Soorma, but Rutuja’s late strike sealed the triumph for the Warriors.

The Final began with high intensity from the outset. Odisha Warriors’ Freeke Moes created the first circle entry of the game, but Soorma Hockey Club showcased solid defensive organisation, carefully rotating possession to gain control. Despite the back-and-forth play, neither team managed to create a clear shooting opportunity in the opening quarter. The closest chance came when Neha set up Rutuja Dadaso Pisal in front of the goal, but Soorma’s goalkeeper Savita quickly charged out to neutralise the threat, ending the quarter scoreless.

In the second quarter, the midfield battle continued until a moment of brilliance from the Warriors broke the deadlock. Victoria Sauze’s pass into the circle deflected high, and an alert Rutuja lofted the ball over Savita to put her



team ahead. Soorma responded by increasing their offensive pressure and earned their second penalty corner late in the quarter. Penny Squibb capitalised on the opportunity, dragging the ball into the bottom-right corner past Warriors’ goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram to level the score at 1-1.

The third quarter saw Soorma take the initiative. Charlotte Englebert and Olivia Shannon repeatedly tested Jocelyn Bartram, while an early penalty corner led to a shot by Jyoti that was deflected wide. The Warriors fought back, creating end-to-end action, but neither side could break the deadlock, leaving the score tied heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter was a tense affair, with both teams cautious in their approach. With eight minutes remaining, the Warriors earned their first penalty corner, but Neha’s shot flew over the goal. Shortly after, Rutuja capitalised on a loose ball in the circle, firing it between Savita’s legs to restore the Warriors’ lead. The Warriors earned another penalty corner moments later, but Yibbi Jansen’s attempt was blocked. In the closing minutes, Odisha Warriors held off Soorma’s relentless attacks and secured a historic 2-1 victory to lift the inaugural Women’s HIL title.