Imphal: Manipur triumphed over Haryana 2-0 in a thrilling final of the 28th Senior Women’s National Football Championship, capturing their 22nd Rajmata Jijabai Trophy at Kolkata’s Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
The championship, which kicked off on May 1, 2024, in Kolkata—fondly known as the City of Joy—showcased the best of women’s football in India. This prestigious tournament brought together teams from state associations and government institutions nationwide.
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The final round featured 12 elite teams, including the three best runners-up, three direct entrants, West Bengal (hosts), Tamil Nadu (reigning champions), Haryana (last year’s runners-up), and six group stage winners. Matches took place at the iconic Kishore Bharati Stadium and the state-of-the-art AIFF National Centre of Excellence.
Manipur clinched a hard-fought victory over Haryana with goals from Ngangom Bala Devi (68’) and Nongmeikapam Sibani Devi (83’), seizing their opportunity after Haryana’s Samiksha was sent off in the 65th minute for fouling Dangmei Grace. Prolific striker Bala Devi, who has netted 17 goals in 10 matches, led Manipur’s early dominance, though Haryana’s defence put up a staunch resistance. Bala’s creative play saw Grace’s shot saved by Haryana goalkeeper Shreya Hooda in the 21st minute, and Sibani missed a header from Grace’s cross shortly after.
Haryana’s best chance in the first half came in the 33rd minute with a free-kick by Renu Rani, which nearly slipped past Manipur’s keeper, Linthoingambi Devi. Manipur nearly broke the deadlock before halftime with Bala’s acrobatic volley just missing the mark.
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The second half saw Manipur ramp up their attacks, with Roja and Grace’s efforts being thwarted by Hooda. Haryana’s Neha offered a glimmer of hope with a powerful shot saved brilliantly by Linthoingambi. The match’s turning point came with Samiksha’s red card, leading to a penalty saved by Hooda. Undeterred, Manipur capitalized soon after, with Bala breaking through in the 68th minute and Sibani sealing the deal in the 83rd after a defensive lapse by Haryana.
Manipur’s triumph was celebrated with the presentation of the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy by Anirban Dutta, honourary secretary of IFA, and Subrata Dutta, chairman of IFA.
Congratulations poured in as chief minister Biren Singh took to the microblogging platform X to extend his heartfelt congratulations to the victorious team for their outstanding achievement.
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It’s worth mentioning that the Manipur Women’s Football team includes women police officers among its ranks. Led by inspector Ngangom Bala Devi, who not only captained the team but also claimed the titles of top goal scorer and player of the championship, they displayed sheer brilliance on the field. With Dy SP O. Bembem Devi as the Team Manager and ASI L. Ronibala Chanu providing invaluable coaching as Goalkeeper Coach, their success is a testament to their dedication and talent among the women in the Manipur Police force.
Best Goalkeeper of the Championship: Shreya Hooda (Haryana).
Top Goalscorers of the Championship: Ngangom Bala Devi (Manipur) and Yumnam Kamala Devi
The Senior Women’s National Football Championship, organized by the AIFF, is a pivotal event in Indian women’s football, spotlighting talent and driving the sport’s growth. Teams from states and institutions nationwide vie for the coveted national title, embodying the tournament’s essence of competition and camaraderie. Crucially, the championship serves as a catalyst for grassroots development, empowering players from diverse backgrounds and regions while nurturing the country’s women’s football infrastructure.
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