Jharkhand emerged as the new champions of the 15th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2025, defeating defending champions Haryana 4-3 in a thrilling shootout in Panchkula on Wednesday. The match ended 1-1 in regulation time before Jharkhand held their nerve in the shootout to secure a historic victory.
The final saw both teams displaying disciplined defense in a goalless first half. Haryana dominated possession early on, but Jharkhand created opportunities, winning a penalty corner which they failed to convert. Both sides struggled to break the deadlock, with a missed penalty corner each ensuring a 0-0 scoreline at halftime.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 42nd minute, when Haryana’s captain Rani Rampal converted a penalty corner with a stunning strike through a cluster of defenders, putting the defending champions ahead. However, Jharkhand responded just two minutes later when Pramodni Lakra capitalized on a defensive lapse, slotting a field goal past the Haryana goalkeeper to restore parity.
Both teams pushed hard for a winner in the final quarter. In the 51st minute, Rani came close to doubling her tally, receiving the ball inside the circle but narrowly missing the target. With neither team able to find the decisive goal, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout.
In the tense shootout, Rajni Kerketta, Nirali Kujur, Binima Dhan, and captain Alebla Rani Toppo successfully converted their attempts for Jharkhand. Haryana responded with goals from Pinki, Annu, and Manisha, but Jharkhand goalkeeper Anjali Bhinjia emerged as the hero, making two crucial saves to ensure her team’s triumph.
In the third-place match, Mizoram defeated Maharashtra 2-1 to claim the bronze medal. Devika Sen put Mizoram ahead in the 6th minute, but Maharashtra hit back through Ashwini Kolekar. With the match heading towards a shootout, Manju Chorsiya netted a crucial field goal in the 59th minute, securing Mizoram a podium finish.
Jharkhand’s triumph marks a significant achievement in their hockey history, dethroning a formidable Haryana side that has been a dominant force in women’s hockey. With a strong defensive display and clinical finishing in the shootout, Jharkhand deservedly lifted the national championship trophy, signaling their rise as a powerhouse in Indian women’s hockey.
