Odisha FC clinched their first-ever Indian Women’s League (IWL) title by defeating Kickstart FC 6-0 in the 2023-24 season finale. This historic victory marked a significant shift in the league’s dominance, as it ended Gokulam Kerala’s three-year reign as champions. Playing on home turf, Odisha FC displayed a dominant performance from the outset, securing a commanding 3-0 lead by halftime. Star players Pyari Xaxa and former India U17 captain Lynda Kom shone brightly, with Xaxa netting a brace and Kom completing a hat-trick. Karthika Angamuthu sealed the victory with a stunning goal, further solidifying Odisha’s superiority.

The triumph was especially impressive considering the pressure from Gokulam Kerala, who finished just two points behind Odisha after defeating East Bengal in their final match. Odisha’s consistent performance throughout the season, under the guidance of coach Crispin Chhetri, reflected in their remarkable record of ten wins, one draw, and one loss in 12 games, accumulating a total of 31 points. Notably, their only defeat came against Gokulam Kerala, highlighting the narrow margin between the top two teams.

Despite Gokulam Kerala’s Fazila Ikwaput securing the golden boot with 13 goals, Odisha FC showcased a diverse attacking threat, with Pyari Xaxa and Win Theingi Tun ranking among the top five goal-scorers. Xaxa finished second with eight goals, while Tun secured the fourth spot with seven goals. Overall, Odisha FC’s collective effort, tactical prowess, and goal-scoring prowess propelled them to a historic IWL title, marking a new era of success in women’s football.