JAIPUR: It was an embarrassing start for hosts Rajasthan as they were outplayed by Chhattisgarh 5-0 in a Group E match of the 29th Senior Women's National Football Championship for Rajmata Jijabai Trophy 2024-25 at the Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium here on Sunday. Priyanka Futan was the star performer for the winners with three goals. Hina Nirmalkar scored the other two goals for the winners.
Rajasthan kept Chhattisgarh on the same score till the end of the first half, but Chhattisgarh came back stronger to score four goals in the second half. Nirmalkar scored two goals in the 49th and 55th minutes to increase the lead to 3-0. Futan scored two more goals in the 70th and then in the 81st minute to help Chhattisgarh seal a comprehensive victory.
In the first match of the day, Punjab defeated Uttarakhand 3-1 to secure three points. Courtesy Lalam Haokip, Punjab took the lead in the 14th minute itself. In the 53rd minute, Mitali Melwal opened the account for Uttarakhand and levelled the scoreline. Punjab was gifted a goal when Uttarakhand's Achala Puri scored an own goal in the 69th minute while Nisha struck in the 73rd minute.
Earlier, deputy chief minister Diya Kumari, who was also the chief guest, inaugurated the newly-constructed astro turf football ground at Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium. "The stadium will be developed into a world-class facility. It features a FIFA-approved football field," she said.
Youth affairs and sports secretary and Rajasthan State Sports Council chairman Neeraj K Pawan, Rajasthan Football Association secretary Dilip Singh Shekhawat, Rajasthan United Football Club president KK Tank and the association's Women's Wing chairperson Roshni Tank were also present on this occasion.
