The Indian women's hockey team, announced for the upcoming international competition in Australia scheduled from April 26 to May 4, includes five players from Jharkhand, all hailing from the Simdega district.
This selection marks a significant representation from a region known for its grassroots hockey talent. The team will be led by Salima Tete, who has been appointed captain and will play as a midfielder. Her younger sister, Mahima Tete, also a midfielder, has earned her place in the squad, making it a proud moment for the Tete family and their hometown.
Joining the Tete sisters in the forward line are Beauty Dungdung and Deepika Soreng, both also from Simdega. Additionally, Anjana Dungdung has been named among the standby players for the tournament, further highlighting the district's strong contribution to Indian women’s hockey.
Salima Tete’s rise in Indian hockey has been nothing short of inspiring. Hailing from the small village of Badkichhapar in Simdega, she began playing the sport with a bamboo stick and a local ball, overcoming numerous challenges along the way.
Her talent was first recognized in 2014 when she was selected for the Jharkhand state team. She joined the national team in 2016 and by 2018 was leading the junior team as captain. In 2024, her leadership qualities and performance earned her the captaincy of the senior national team.
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This year, Salima was honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award by the President of India, a recognition of her dedication and achievements in the sport. Her younger sister, Mahima, expressed admiration for Salima’s journey and revealed how she has always looked up to her.
Mahima shared that Salima not only inspires her but also patiently guides her. “Whenever I do something wrong, Didi explains it to me lovingly and helps me. It was a great experience to be in the camp with her,” she said.
The selection of five players from a single district underscores Simdega’s growing importance as a cradle of Indian hockey talent and serves as a testament to the determination and passion of players emerging from the region.
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