New Indian Express: Hockey Gangpur-Odisha Win B Division Title

BENGALURU: Hockey Gangpur-Odisha defeated Association of Indian Universities 3-1 in the final to emerge champions in the ‘B’ Division of the 6th Hockey India Senior Women’s National Championship on Wednesday.

Gangpur-Odisha were in an attacking frame of mind from the start. AIU were on the edge always as Gangpur-Odisha repeatedly breached their defense. It was during one of these raids that Premanjali Toppo scooped the ball into the goal from the left flank (13th minute) for the lead.

With Gangpur-Odisha’s precise passing, AIU did not get hold of the ball. But as the match wore on, Gangpur-Odisha’s attacks reduced and they were content to defend their slender lead.

This changed when AIU’s Manisha Dhawal scored in the 44th minute, a stinging reverse hit. Gangpur-Odisha finally took the lead as captain Rinki Kujur converted a penalty corner in the 57th minute. Janhabi Pradhan sealed the win with an on-the-run reverse hit in the 59th minute. Both Gangpur-Odisha and AIU have been promoted and will play in the ‘A’ Division next year.

Results: Final: Hockey Gangpur-Odisha 3 (Premanjali Toppo 13th, Rinki Kujur 57th, Janhabi Pradhan 59th) bt Association of Indian Universities 1 (Manisha Dhawal 44th). 3-4 place: Chattisgarh Hockey 4 (Balvinder Kaur 9th, Avantika Yadav 15th, Babita Lilhare 19th, Pooja Yadav 22nd) bt Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu 3 (A Vennila 14th, 40th, Loganayaki 25th).