‘Yui Susaki told me she’ll play next year, that’s the kind of motivation we need,’ says PWL CEO Akhil Gupta

Ranchi, Jan 2 (IANS) Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (30′) and Sakshi Rana (54′) scored a goal each as Ranchi Royals defeated Soorma Hockey Club 2-0 in their Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 encounter at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi on Friday.

Defences were on top in the first quarter as both sides hardly made any errors or gave away good chances to their opposition. Ranchi Royals held more possession in the beginning; however, JSW Soorma Hockey Club showed great attacking intent and made 10 circle penetrations in the first 15 minutes of the contest.

In the 12th minute, Soorma Hockey Club won the first penalty corner of the evening, but Penny Squibb’s shot was stopped by the first rusher.

In the 18th minute, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal took a shot which was saved by Savita, Hannah Cotter couldn’t control the ball on the rebound, and the chance was squandered by the Royals. In the 25th minute, Ranchi Royals’ Ishika committed a foul inside the circle, giving away a penalty stroke to JSW Soorma Hockey Club; however, Penny Squibb was denied due to a brilliant save by Madhuri Kindo for Ranchi Royals. In the next minute, Soorma won a penalty corner as they continued to pile on the pressure, but Penny Squibb’s strike was yet again stopped by the first rusher.

With seconds left in the first half, Ranchi Royals bagged the first goal of the contest. Agostina Alonso played a powerful pass into the circle from midfield as Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (30′) showcased incredible skill to poach the ball perfectly, deflecting it into the net to score.

In the opening minutes of the third quarter, Soorma’s Olivia Shannon made a brilliant individual effort, winning the ball herself in a dangerous position as she fired a back-handed shot, denied by Ranchi Royals’ Bichu Devi Kharibam.

In the 34th minute, Maria Ortiz came teasingly close to increasing the advantage for the Royals as she did well to beat her marker and unleash a low-driven shot towards goal, but the ball struck the post. With just two seconds left on the clock, Ranchi Royals won another penalty corner, but the ball wasn’t trapped effectively, and the opportunity was missed.

In the 54th minute, Ranchi Royals increased their advantage with another amazing field goal. Sakshi Rana (54′) unleashed a powerful strike from a tight angle into the top right corner of the goalpost as the Royals built on their lead.

Soorma Hockey Club won a crucial penalty corner in the final minute of the match as Penny Squibb’s dragflick was denied by Bichu Devi Kharibam to end her game with a clean sheet.

–IANS

bsk/

New Delhi, June 24 (IANS) Special Olympics Bharat hosted a special screening of the critically acclaimed film ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’, reinforcing its commitment to promoting inclusion and celebrating the abilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The event was also marked with the presence of the movie’s producer and actor Aamir Khan, who is also starring in the film in the leading role, lead actor Genelia Deshmukh, director R.S. Prasanna and other co-stars.

Following the screening, Aamir spent valuable time interacting with the athletes, engaging in warm conversations and sharing moments that will be cherished by all. The movie aims to promote the inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities in the world of sports, which deeply connects with the historic performances delivered by SO Bharat athletes at the World Games in recent years.

Dr Mallika Nadda, president, Special Olympics Bharat, emphasised the importance of such events in creating a more inclusive society and said, “The screening of ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ is more than just watching a film; it is an experience that reinforces our belief in the boundless capabilities of our Special Olympics Bharat athletes.”

“Aamir Khan’s presence and his heartfelt interaction with our children further amplify this message, inspiring not only our athletes but also the wider community to embrace diversity and celebrate every talent,” she added.

The event created an atmosphere of warmth, acceptance and motivation, reinforcing Special Olympics Bharat’s ongoing efforts to integrate individuals with intellectual disabilities into mainstream society through sports, education and community engagement.

An official remake of the 2018 Spanish film ‘Champions’, ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ was released in the cinema halls on June 20.

On International Olympic Day, Special Olympics Bharat, in collaboration with the BVL Brahmaputra Volleyball League, held a special training session for athletes with disabilities at Mrinal Jyoti Rehabilitation Centre.

–IANS

bc/ab