AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: Odisha became the 37^th National Games Women’s Football champions on Sunday, November 5, 2023, when they defeated mighty Manipur in the tie-breakers at Tilak Maidan, Goa.

The tie-breakers were applied after the teams were locked 1-1 at the end of regulation period. Odisha had the last laugh in penalties winning 4-2. This is the second time Odisha have won the National Games Women’s football gold medal.

After a goalless first half, Odisha international Pyari Xaxa put Odisha in the lead in the 51^st minute. However, Manipur restored parity in the 79^th minute through Nongmeikapam Sibani Devi.

In the tie-breakers, Pyari Xaxa, Grace Lalrampari Hauhnar, Bannya Kabiraj and S Lynda Kom scored the goals in the first four penalties. Manipur found the target through Wangkhem Linthoingambi Devi and Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi.

In the bronze medal match, Haryana edged Bengal 1-0 with Tannu scoring the all-important goal in the 36^th minute.

Odisha: Spandita Das (Manju Ganjhu, 90’); Juli Kishan, Jabamani Tudu, Arifa Zaheer (Mamata Patra, 51’) (Pragya Kishan, 90’), Supriya Routray; Munica Minz (S Lynda Kom, 46’), Jasoda Munda, Grace Lalrampari Hauhnar, Bannya Kabiraj, Malati Munda (Manisha Naik, 84’); Pyari Xaxa.

Manipur: Maibam Linthoingambi Devi; Yumlembam Pakpi Devi, Wangkhem Linthoingambi Devi, Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, Shanglakpam Bani Sharma; Irom Prameshwori Devi, Nongmeikapam Sibani Devi, Toijam Thoibisana Chanu (Loktongbam Sheila Devi, 36’) (Chingangb Binomala, 77’); Salam Rinaroy Devi (Laishram Babita Devi, 77’), Moirangthem Ambika Devi (Oinam Babita Devi, 36’), Lisham Babina Devi.