The Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) has reclaimed the coveted crown at the fourth Hockey India Women’s Inter-Departmental National Championships, defeating the defending champions Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) in a thrilling 3-1 final. The match, held on Monday, was a rematch of last year’s championship, where IOCL had emerged victorious. This time, however, the Railways were determined to prove their dominance, and the final lived up to its hype, showcasing the best of Indian women’s hockey.
The first quarter was a tense affair, with both teams feeling each other out. IOCL eventually broke through, taking the lead through Deepika. However, their lead was short-lived. Vandana Katariya, a veteran of over 300 international matches, promptly leveled the score for Railways, showcasing her experience and tactical prowess.
The momentum shifted further in the second half, with Navneet Kaur putting Railways ahead in the 43rd minute with a powerful shot. Just six minutes later, Salima Tete doubled the lead, solidifying Railways’ control over the game. Despite their commanding position, Railways exercised caution, remembering last year’s final where they had a similar lead but ultimately conceded twice in the closing minutes. This time, there were no mistakes.
Earlier in the day, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) secured third place after a hard-fought 3-2 shootout victory against Sports Authority of India (SAI). The regulation time ended in a goalless draw, but CBDT ultimately prevailed in the shootout, with goals from Neelam, Usha, and Vaishnavi Phalke.
The tournament saw individual awards handed out to outstanding performers. Deepa Sharma (CBDT) was recognized as the Best Goalkeeper, while Ishika Chaudhary (IOC) earned the Best Defender award. Neha Goyal (RSPB) was named Best Midfielder, and Preeti Dubey (SAI) was awarded Best Forward. Mumtaz Khan (IOC) and Navneet Kaur (RSPB) shared the top-scorer honors with 8 goals each. Salima Tete (RSPB) was chosen as the Player of the Match, and Jyoti (IOC) was recognized as the Player of the Tournament.
With this victory, the Railway Sports Promotion Board has cemented its position as a powerhouse in women’s hockey, proving their dominance and showcasing the talent within their ranks. The thrilling final served as a testament to the dedication and passion of these athletes, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Indian women’s hockey.