Lucknow: The Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Senior Women’s Hockey Competition concluded with resounding success at Guru Gobind Singh Sports College, Lucknow. Organized by the Directorate of Sports, Uttar Pradesh, the tournament brought together 18 divisions for a week-long showcase of talent, teamwork, and determination.
A Grand Opening
The event kicked off on December 5, 2024, with an inspiring opening ceremony graced by Girish Chandra Yadav, Minister (Independent Charge), Sports and Youth Welfare, Uttar Pradesh. Yadav inaugurated the tournament by garlanding the portrait of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and lighting the ceremonial lamp. He also engaged with the players and participated in a symbolic hockey play, setting the tone for the spirited competition.
Adding to the momentous occasion, Razia Zaidi, an International Hockey Player, was honored for her contributions to the sport. Other dignitaries present included Ranjana Gupta, Syed Ali, Mukul Shah, and Manju Singh. Regional Sports Officer Ajay Kumar Sethi expressed gratitude to all attendees for their support, ensuring a memorable start to the tournament.
Key Highlights and Results
Day 1: Competitive Spirit on Display
The tournament began with a series of thrilling matches:
- Varanasi Division edged out Prayagraj Division 2-1 in a closely fought opener.
- Meerut Division dominated Bareilly Division with an 11-0 victory.
- Lucknow Division crushed Kanpur Division 12-0 in a commanding performance.
- Moradabad Mandal secured a narrow 1-0 win over Azamgarh Mandal.
- Ayodhya Mandal outplayed Jhansi Mandal with a 6-0 scoreline.
- Chitrakootdham Bada Mandal and Agra Mandal ended in a goalless draw.
Days 2 and 3: Goals Galore
The intensity escalated as teams showcased their prowess:
- On Day 2, Lucknow Division registered a resounding 12-0 win over Chitrakootdham Bada Mandal, while Gorakhpur Mandal defeated Bareilly Mandal 5-0.
- Day 3 saw Lucknow Division achieve a record-breaking 13-0 victory against Agra Division, with Meerut Division delivering a strong 4-0 win over Varanasi Division.
Semi-Finals: The Road to Glory
The semi-final matches on December 9 were equally captivating:
- Lucknow Division demonstrated their dominance by defeating Moradabad Division 10-0.
- Ayodhya Division secured a spot in the final with a solid 2-0 win over Gorakhpur Division.
The Grand Finale: Lucknow Reigns Supreme
The much-anticipated final on December 10, 2024, saw Lucknow Division face Ayodhya Division in an intense showdown. Lucknow emerged victorious with a decisive 3-0 win to claim the championship title. Key moments from the match included:
- Ruby opening the scoring with a penalty corner in the 21st minute.
- Khushi Rathore extending the lead with a field goal in the 47th minute.
- Pitambar sealing the victory with a spectacular goal in the final minute.
The final was inaugurated by chief guest Pawan Singh Chauhan, Member of the Legislative Council, who paid tribute to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. The winning team was awarded a cash prize of ₹1,000, while the runners-up received ₹800.
Honoring Excellence
The closing ceremony was a celebration of sportsmanship, with prominent figures like Olympian Syed Ali and Asian Games Gold Medalist Razia Zaidi in attendance. Regional Sports Officer Ajay Kumar Sethi delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, highlighting the success of the event in promoting women’s hockey in Uttar Pradesh.
A Step Forward for Women’s Hockey
The Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Senior Women’s Hockey Competition not only celebrated the spirit of the sport but also underscored the growing opportunities for women athletes in Uttar Pradesh. With stellar performances and inspiring stories, the tournament marked a significant milestone in the journey of Indian women’s hockey.
