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Key Points

Odisha crushed Tamil Nadu 4-1 in the first semi-final, led by captain Lucela Ekka’s two goals. Punjab fought back twice to defeat Haryana 3-2 in a thrilling second semi-final. The final will see Odisha take on Punjab for the inaugural Women's Hockey Masters Cup title. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu and Haryana will compete for the bronze medal before the summit clash.

Key Points: Punjab and Odisha to Battle in Women's Hockey Masters Cup Final

  • Odisha dominates Tamil Nadu 4-1 with Lucela Ekka’s brace
  • Punjab stages comeback to edge Haryana 3-2
  • Tamil Nadu and Haryana to clash for bronze
  • Inaugural Women's Hockey Masters Cup final set for Friday
2 min read

Punjab, Odisha will clash in final of inaugural edition of Women's Hockey India Masters Cup

Punjab and Odisha secure thrilling wins to set up the Women's Hockey Masters Cup final, while Tamil Nadu and Haryana fight for bronze.

"Lucela Ekka led from the front with two brilliant field goals, giving Odisha a strong foothold early in the match. – Hockey India Press Release"

Chennai, June 26

The race for the title at the inaugural Hockey India Masters Cup (Women) reached its final stretch, as Hockey Association of Odisha and Hockey Punjab sealed their places in the final after registering impressive wins in their respective semi-final matches at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium here on Thursday.

In the first semi-final, Hockey Association of Odisha delivered a commanding performance to defeat Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu 4-1. Odisha captain Lucela Ekka (4', 25') led from the front with two brilliant field goals, giving her team a strong foothold early in the match, as per the Hockey India press release.

She was supported by Sarita Roshan Minz (9') and Asima Sanjay Minz (30'), who also found the back of the net to seal a convincing win. Tamil Nadu's lone goal came from Saumya (34'), who converted a penalty corner in the third quarter.

The second semi-final saw Hockey Punjab come from behind twice to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Hockey Haryana. Haryana took the early lead through a field goal from Sonika Yadav (11'), but Punjab equalised soon after with Meenakshi (18') converting a penalty corner.

In the third quarter, Nishi Shivendra Singh (38') put Haryana back in front with a field goal, only for Punjab to respond once again--Baljit Kaur Marar (44') equalised with a penalty corner strike. Just three minutes later, Sangita Minz (47') sealed the comeback with a well-timed field goal, propelling Punjab into the Final.

Hockey Association of Odisha will take on Hockey Punjab in the Final of the inaugural Hockey India Masters Cup (Women), while Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu will now face-off with Hockey Haryana for the Bronze medal match on Friday before the summit clash.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka S.
What a thrilling semi-final match by Punjab! Coming from behind twice shows real determination. Women's hockey is getting more competitive and exciting to watch. Best of luck to both teams for the final! 🇮🇳🏑
R
Rahul K.
Odisha's performance was clinical! Lucela Ekka's leadership reminds me of Rani Rampal's golden days. Hope this tournament helps discover more hidden talents from smaller states. More such events needed!
A
Ananya P.
As a Chennai resident, I'm slightly disappointed Tamil Nadu couldn't make it, but kudos to Odisha for their dominance. The stadium looked packed - great to see such support for women's hockey! When will matches be telecast live?
S
Suresh M.
The Minz sisters (Sarita & Asima) scoring for Odisha shows how hockey runs in families! Reminds me of the legendary Dung Dung sisters. More state vs state tournaments will raise the standard of Indian hockey.
N
Neha T.
While the tournament is good, Hockey India should improve promotion. Many didn't know about this until today! Also, why no matches in Bhubaneswar where hockey has strong roots? Hope next edition gets better visibility.
V
Vikram J.
Punjab vs Odisha - North vs East hockey rivalry continues! Both teams have produced Olympians. May the best team win, but ultimately Indian hockey benefits. Jai Hind! 🏑

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