Gumla: Celebrations erupted across the state, especially in Simdega, Khunti and Ranchi, on Saturday after the Indian women’s hockey team won its first Asian Games gold in 44 years at Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.The team was led by Simdega midfielder Salima Tete and included Beauty Dungdung, Deepika Soreng and Khunti defender Nikki Pradhan. District authorities said the players had brought honour to Jharkhand and India.In Badrichhapar, Salima’s native village, residents watched the final before bursting into celebrations. Her father, Sulakshan Tete, left for Ranchi to receive her. He said the victory had created “an atmosphere of happiness” in the village and secured India’s place at the next Olympics.Celebrations followed at Lachragarh training centre and Centre of Excellence in Simdega, where the players learnt the game. Trainees danced and distributed sweets, with Hockey Jharkhand general secretary Manoj Konbegi present.Konbegi said the triumph was memorable. He added that the teams winning together was a first in Hockey India’s 100-year history and would boost women’s hockey in Jharkhand. Simdega deputy commissioner Kanchan Singh said the players had brought laurels to the district.In Hesal, Nikki’s native village, her parents, Soma Pradhan and Jitan Devi, burst crackers and left for Ranchi to receive her. Initial coach Dasrath Mahto hoped India would win a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics with Nikki. Deepika’s mother, Frista Soreng, distributed sweets among neighbours at her Ranchi home.On X, chief minister Hemant Soren posted: “Our athletes, who came from every corner of the country, have elevated the nation’s honor through their talent, hard work, and spirit. Gold, silver, and bronze — behind every medal lies years of toil, discipline, and struggle. Special congratulations and greetings to Team India for winning the historic gold medal in women’s hockey under the leadership of the indomitable captain Salima Tete. This achievement is a source of pride for Jharkhand as well as the entire country.”
