Manipur continued its unchallenged dominance in Indian women’s football as they claimed their 23rd Senior Women’s National Football Championship title, defeating Odisha 1-0 in a tightly contested final for the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground on Monday.
The win marked another landmark achievement for the North-Eastern powerhouse, solidifying their stranglehold over the competition, having now won nearly 80% of the 29 editions played. The lone goal of the match came in the 55th minute from the boot of striker Asem Roja Devi, ensuring Manipur’s continued supremacy in Indian women’s football.
The match had a tense start with both teams cautiously testing the waters. The first half remained goalless, with Manipur looking the more dangerous side but struggling to break through Odisha’s resilient defense. However, it was a penalty miss in the 5th minute that nearly set the tone for the game. A handball by Odisha’s Shibani Munda saw the referee point to the spot, but Manipur’s experienced Ratanbala Devi saw her shot ricochet off the post, keeping the scoreline level.
Despite dominating possession, Manipur found themselves thwarted time and again by Odisha’s defensive block, which refused to yield easily. The Odisha defense, led by the indomitable Pyari Xaxa, held their ground against wave after wave of Manipur’s attacks. The defensive solidity was impressive, with Odisha’s goalkeeper Sasmita Parida making several key saves to keep the score tied, while the defenders cleared their lines whenever the pressure mounted.
However, the breakthrough finally came in the 55th minute in what could be described as a scrappy but decisive moment. From a corner kick, the ball ricocheted through a maze of legs in the penalty box, and Asem Roja Devi, ever alert, pounced on the loose ball and slotted it home past a crowd of defenders to give Manipur the lead. Despite a valiant attempt by Odisha to rally, the goal would prove to be the match-winner.
The victory was a testament to Manipur’s continued excellence, not only in terms of their individual skill but also their unwavering team discipline. Although the result was narrow, Manipur’s territorial dominance throughout the match was evident. Odisha, despite their best efforts, never seemed able to break free from the constant pressure that the Manipur forwards, including Dangmei Grace and Ratanbala Devi, mounted on their goal.
While Odisha can hold their heads high for restricting the powerful Manipur side to a single goal, it was once again a story of near misses. They will be left to reflect on their sixth loss in seven finals against Manipur, a streak that continues to haunt them in the prestigious tournament.
For Manipur, it was another milestone in their storied football history, with the team adding another trophy to their already impressive collection. Coach and players will undoubtedly be pleased with their performance, but the victory also underscores the sheer depth of talent that continues to flow from the state, particularly in women’s football.
Manipur’s Line-up: Elangbam Panthoi Chanu (GK, C), Ngangbam Sweety Devi, Laishram Rejiya Devi (Irom Prameshwori Devi 58′), Hemam Shilky Devi, Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, Yumlembam Pakpi Devi, Wangkhem Linthoingambi Devi, Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi, Dangmei Grace (Laishram Bibicha Devi 89′), Asem Roja Devi, Naorem Priyangka Devi.
Odisha’s Line-up: Sasmita Parida (GK), Ambruta Nayak, Juli Kishan, Pragyan Kishan, Sumitra Hembram, Munica Minz, Pyari Xaxa (C), Deepa Nayak, Malati Munda (Manisha Naik 46′), Shibani Mundari, Subhadra Sahoo (Sunita Swain 58′, Laxmi Priya Lenka 84′).
As Odisha returns home with their sixth runners-up trophy, they will likely be inspired to build on their promising display, but for now, the celebrations in Manipur will continue as they reaffirm their position as India’s dominant force in women’s football.
