Ranchi, July 11: Hockey India has announced the 20-member Indian women’s hockey team for the 20th Asian Games to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, with four players from Jharkhand earning places in the squad, including captain Salima Tete.
Apart from Salima, experienced defender Nikki Pradhan, forward Beauty Dungdung and midfielder Deepika Soreng have been selected in the national team, underlining Jharkhand’s continued contribution to Indian women’s hockey.
Salima Tete, one of India’s most dependable midfielders, has been retained as captain after leading the national side for the past two years. She has represented India in more than 150 international matches and recently guided the team to an unbeaten title-winning campaign at the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand. Salima is also the first woman hockey player from Jharkhand to receive the prestigious Arjuna Award.
Defender Nikki Pradhan, who hails from Khunti, brings vast international experience to the squad, having played more than 200 international matches. She has represented India in the Olympics, Hockey World Cup, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games over the past decade.
Forward Beauty Dungdung has earned a recall to the national team following a string of impressive performances, while midfielder Deepika Soreng has secured her place through consistent displays. Both Beauty and Deepika are set to make their Asian Games debut.
The Indian team, coached by Sjoerd Marijne, will aim to clinch the gold medal at the continental showpiece in Japan.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Sports Minister Sudivya Kumar, officials of the state Sports Department and Hockey Jharkhand office-bearers congratulated the four players on their selection.
Hockey Jharkhand General Secretary Vijay Shankar Singh described the selection of four players from the state as a proud moment for Jharkhand and said it reflected the state’s rich hockey tradition.
“The selection of four players from Jharkhand in the Indian women’s hockey team is a proud moment for the entire state,” Singh said.
He said Salima Tete, Nikki Pradhan, Beauty Dungdung and Deepika Soreng had proved through their performances that Jharkhand is a land of sporting talent.
“This achievement is the result of the hard work of the players, the dedication of the coaches, the support of the parents, and the continuous efforts of the state government and Hockey Jharkhand,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the team’s prospects, Singh said, “We are confident that the Indian team will perform brilliantly in the Asian Games, and these four players will play a key role in bringing medals to the country.”
He added that Jharkhand continues to produce talented hockey players and that timely guidance and opportunities would help the state maintain its strong presence in international hockey.
