The battle lines are firmly drawn. Only one of either the Odisha Warriors or JSW Soorma Hockey Club will have its name engraved on the coveted silverware on Sunday as the inaugural edition of the Women’s Hockey India League draws to a close.
The head-to-head numbers aren’t enough to suggest a favourite for the historic contest. While Soorma had pipped the Warriors to a 2-1 win on January 15, the reverse leg saw the indomitable Jocelyn Bartram star in a shootout to help the Warriors bag a 2-0 victory.
Penalty Corners (PC) can potentially make or break the sides. Five of the Warriors’ 11 goals in the tournament have come through Yibbi Jansen’s dragflicks from short corners. Additionally, the Warriors have successfully converted 21.7 per cent of their PCs, the most by any team in 2025.
“Our main strategy would be to win as many PCs as we can. That is where our strength lies,” captain Neha Goyal said while addressing the media on the eve of the summit clash.
However, PCs have been the Soorma’s Achilles heel throughout the season. Despite winning 26 PCs, Soorma could convert only one through Penny Squib. These are the worst figures for any team.
Jude Menezes, Coach of JSW Soorma Hockey Club, addresses a press conference at the Jaipal Singh Stadium in Ranchi, on January 25, 2025
| Photo Credit:
Shashi Shekhar Kashyap/ The Hindu
Jude Menezes, Coach of JSW Soorma Hockey Club, addresses a press conference at the Jaipal Singh Stadium in Ranchi, on January 25, 2025
| Photo Credit:
Shashi Shekhar Kashyap/ The Hindu
But coach Jude Menezes isn’t too worried. He said, “Yes, PCs have not been working out. We keep trying, but eventually, we have got to focus on our strengths as well. We have scored the most amount of field goals in the tournament (12).”
The Indian-origin gaffer added: “We like to play free-flowing, aggressive hockey… We are as prepared as we can be. We’ve had a good buildup. We had a really good tournament. We have enjoyed our time at the top of the table.”
Soorma flourished in the league stage, pocketing 13 points from six games. The Warriors finished just two points behind.
Neha says she is aware of the threat Soorma poses. “The Soorma are an excellent side. Their forward line is extremely pacey. We have to be strong in defence and mark their players well. I know what their strengths are, and I will try to educate my team regarding the same. I will tell my side to stick to what they have been doing and do nothing extra.”
Jimena Cedres from JSW Soorma Hockey Club, during a practice session at the Jaipal Singh Stadium in Ranchi, on January 25, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
Shashi Shekhar Kashyap/ The Hindu
Jimena Cedres from JSW Soorma Hockey Club, during a practice session at the Jaipal Singh Stadium in Ranchi, on January 25, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
Shashi Shekhar Kashyap/ The Hindu
Argentine midfielder Jimena Cedres, who played only two matches for Soorma before picking up a leg injury, is set to be back for the final. Menezes said, “She is looking good. She is ready to go. We just had a good session now.”