New Delhi: The Hockey India League women’s competition got underway on Sunday at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Jharkhand. The opening ceremony took place right before the first match with some folk performances in dance and music depicted the culture of the Indian state Jharkhand.
As the whistle blew off, the players on either side of the court donned in orange and blue drilled across to announce that the women’s Hockey India League competition was here. A moment for all the former, current, and aspiring players to embrace with grace.
Yibbi Jansen’s Stellar Performance Sets the Stage
Paris Olympics gold medallist Yibbi Jansen made it a special night for the spectators in the stadium and the viewers away from the venue. For many Indian hockey aficionados, it was a dream come true to have a league for the women talent and see them combine with the global icons.
The Dutch mid-fielder scored a brace to help Odisha Warriors blank Delhi SG Pipers 4-0 in the first match of the four-team tournament. Her tantalising strikes were backed by Baljeet Kaur and Freeke Moes, who is also from the Netherlands.
After both teams went on neck and neck in the first quarter, Jansen took no time to convert the penalty corner in the first minute of the second quarter. Just five minutes later, the Delhi team was awarded its first penalty corner but the attempt was parried.
Jansen doubled the lead for the Warriors in the third quarter with her dazzling drag-flick blitz past Delhi goalkeeper Elodie Picard. Baljeet and Neha Goyal combined to find the back of the net for the third goal just five minutes after Jansen scored her brace. The ball ricocheted back to Baljeet after her attempt to find Neha and the former struck it past Picard.
Despite being down to 10 players after Neha received a yellow card in the final quarter, the Warriors didn’t concede any goal and Freeke Moes extended their lead to 4-0, making it intricate for their opponents for a potential comeback.
The inaugural Hockey India League women’s competition commenced in Jharkhand with a resounding 4-0 victory for Odisha Warriors over Delhi SG Pipers. Olympic gold medalist Yibbi Jansen scored two goals, showcasing exceptional skill alongside Baljeet Kaur and Freeke Moes. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
