Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], March 20 (HBTV): As the final phase of the National Women's Hockey League 2024-2025 commenced in Ranchi, Hockey Haryana, Hockey Association of Odisha, and Hockey Madhya Pradesh emerged victorious in their respective matches, as per a Hockey India press release.

In the first match of the day, Hockey Haryana defeated Manipur Hockey 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 added one goal each for their side. Deena Devi Naoram (2') scored the lone goal for Manipur Hockey.

In the next match, the Hockey Association of Odisha defeated Hockey Bengal 1-0 in a closely contested game. Dipika Barwa (3') scored for Hockey Bengal in the first quarter of the match.

In the third match, Hockey Madhya Pradesh defeated Hockey Maharashtra 2-0 in Pool A. Bhumiksha Sahu (4') and Captain Soniya Kumre (58') scored for Hockey Madhya Pradesh in the first and final quarters of the game to secure the victory.

The opening ceremony for 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, Hockey Jharkhand faced Hockey Mizoram in Pool A.

The teams participating are Hockey Haryana, Hockey Maharashtra, Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Bengal, Hockey Mizoram, Manipur Hockey, and Hockey Association of Odisha. The tournament will be played in a single pool format with each team facing the other once.

The winner of each match will be awarded three points, while draws will secure one point. The team standing at the top of the points table at the end of the league matches will be crowned champions of the elite domestic tournament.

In Phase 1, played during the previous year, Hockey Haryana finished first with 16 points in seven matches, followed by Hockey Jharkhand and Hockey Association of Odisha, just one point behind in second and third place, respectively. (ANI)