Odisha’s remarkable triumph in Women’s Football at the 37th National Games will go down in history as they secured their second National Games Women’s Football gold medal. This outstanding victory unfolded on November 5, 2023, at Tilak Maidan in Goa when they overcame the formidable Manipur in a thrilling penalty shootout.
The match had reached a tense stalemate, with both teams deadlocked at 1-1 after the regulation period. It was the penalty shootout that ultimately decided the fate of the championship, with Odisha emerging victorious by a score of 4-2. The joyous moment marked the culmination of a hard-fought journey for the Odisha squad.
The intensity of the game was evident from the very beginning, as a goalless first half set the stage for an exhilarating second period. It was Odisha’s Pyari Xaxa, a seasoned international player, who broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, giving her team the crucial lead. However, Manipur displayed their resilience, equalizing in the 79th minute through the efforts of Nongmeikapam Sibani Devi.
With the scoreline still level, the teams had to rely on the drama of penalty kicks to decide the champion. Odisha’s Pyari Xaxa, Grace Lalrampari Hauhnar, Bannya Kabiraj, and S Lynda Kom showcased their nerves of steel by converting the first four penalties with precision. Manipur managed to find the target twice, thanks to Wangkhem Linthoingambi Devi and Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, but it was not enough to stop Odisha’s surge to victory.
In the bronze medal match, Haryana secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Bengal. The crucial and decisive goal was scored by Tannu in the 36th minute, ensuring Haryana’s place on the podium.
The championship-winning team was composed of Spandita Das, Juli Kishan, Jabamani Tudu, Arifa Zaheer (substituted by Mamata Patra in the 51st minute, who was later replaced by Pragya Kishan in the 90th minute), Supriya Routray, Munica Minz (substituted by S Lynda Kom in the 46th minute), Jasoda Munda, Grace Lalrampari Hauhnar, Bannya Kabiraj, Malati Munda (substituted by Manisha Naik in the 84th minute), and Pyari Xaxa.
Odisha’s victory in the National Games Women’s Football championship is a testament to their dedication and talent, and they have rightfully earned their place in the annals of women’s football history.
Prasanta Patnaik