Manipur extended its dominance in Indian women’s football, claiming their 23rd Senior Women’s National Football Championship title with a narrow 1-0 victory over Odisha in the final for the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground on Monday.

The match’s defining moment came in the 55th minute when striker Asem Roja Devi netted the winner amidst a chaotic goalmouth scramble following a corner kick. This solitary goal sealed yet another championship for the northeastern powerhouse, showcasing their unyielding supremacy in the tournament, having won 23 of the 29 editions so far.

Odisha’s Fighting Spirit Falls Short

Odisha, playing their seventh final, showed grit and resilience but were once again denied the trophy, marking their sixth loss in a championship clash against Manipur. Despite the defeat, Odisha earned respect for their defensive performance, restricting Manipur to a single goal, even as luck played a part in keeping the scoreline close.

Missed Opportunities for Manipur

Manipur’s relentless attack began right from the opening whistle, pinning Odisha in their half for most of the match. The champions had an early chance to lead in the fifth minute when a handball by Odisha defender Shibani Munda resulted in a penalty. However, seasoned midfielder Ratanbala Devi’s shot struck the post, leaving the scoreline unchanged.

Though the Manipur forwards swarmed the Odisha box with calculated aggression, Odisha’s defense, led by captain Pyari Xaxa, stood firm. They were ably supported by goalkeeper Sasmita Parida, who thwarted multiple attempts to keep her side in the game.

Goalmouth Scramble Breaks the Deadlock

The deadlock was finally broken in the second half when Roja Devi capitalized on a chaotic moment in the Odisha box, slotting the ball through a narrow gap to deliver the decisive blow. Despite dominating possession and creating multiple scoring opportunities, Manipur’s attackers struggled to convert, with missed chances from Dangmei Grace and others.

Team Lineups

Manipur: 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: 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′).

A Legacy of Excellence

Manipur’s victory reaffirms their status as the most successful team in the history of the Senior Women’s National Football Championship. For Odisha, the match highlighted their defensive resilience and fighting spirit, even as they fell short of breaking Manipur’s stranglehold on the title.

The game marked another chapter in the rich legacy of Indian women’s football, with both teams showcasing skill, determination, and sportsmanship on the grand stage.