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 semifinal matches here at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium.
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.
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.