Hockey Maharashtra and Hockey Madhya Pradesh have advanced to the final of the 13th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2023 in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Hockey Maharashtra beat Hockey Haryana 2-1 in penalty shootouts to progress to the Final. Bhavana Khade was named Player of the Match, scoring the equaliser for Hockey Maharashtra after Devika Sen had taken the lead for Hockey Haryana. H Lalruatfeli and Akansha Singh scored in the shootouts to give Hockey Maharashtra its second shootout win in the knockout stage and secure their place in the Finals.
In the second Semi-Final, Hockey Madhya Pradesh defeated Hockey Jharkhand 2-0. Both teams played hard, but Karishma Singh and Diksha Tiwari scored in the final minutes of the game to earn their place in the Final. Player of the Match Karishma Yadav attributed their win to their team’s solidarity and expressed confidence in their chances in the finals.
Hockey Madhya Pradesh will face off against Hockey Maharashtra in the Final, while Hockey Haryana will take on Hockey Jharkhand in the 3/4 Place match.
Bhavana Khade expressed her joy at reaching the finals, saying, “It is just unbelievable that we are playing in the Finals after beating a few tough teams along the way. The last two matches have been tough, but going to shootouts doesn’t scare us; our determination to win the Championships is stronger.”
Karishma Yadav was elated to be named Player of the Match, but was quick to credit her teammates’ contribution to their win. “It feels great to be recognised for my performance, but I couldn’t have done it without my teammates,” she said.
The final will take place at 1500 hours, with Hockey Madhya Pradesh taking on Hockey Maharashtra, while Hockey Haryana will face Hockey Jharkhand in the 3/4 Place match at 0900 hours.