Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Felicitates Indian Women’s Hockey Team for Historic Victory at Women’s Asian Hockey Championship Trophy
Patna, December 1: In a grand ceremony held at Bapu Sabhagar in Patna, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar celebrated the Indian women’s hockey team’s historic triumph in the Women’s Asian Hockey Championship Trophy. The championship, which took place from November 11 to 20 in Rajgir, saw the Indian team defeat China in a nail-biting 1-0 victory. This win, marking a significant milestone for both the nation and the state of Bihar, was a proud moment for all involved.
The event, organized by the Bihar State Sports Department, acknowledged the hard work and perseverance of the Indian women’s hockey team. Each player and the team’s head coach were awarded ₹10 lakh, while the supporting staff members received ₹5 lakh each in recognition of their invaluable contributions. The tournament’s organizers were also honored for their efforts in ensuring the smooth conduct of the event. These awards were personally distributed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who extended his heartfelt congratulations to the team and its management.
A special four-minute short film was presented during the ceremony, showcasing highlights of the tournament and the team’s remarkable journey. In his address, Chief Minister Kumar commended the players for their dedication and determination, offering encouragement for future successes.
Salima Tete, captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, expressed her gratitude to the Bihar government for the recognition and support. “It is a proud moment for all of us to receive such recognition from the Bihar government. The rewards and recognition serve as a significant morale boost for the players,” Tete said. She also praised the successful organization of the prestigious event in Rajgir, the first time it had been held in the city.
The Bihar government took great pride in hosting the Women’s Asian Hockey Championship Trophy at the State Sports Academy and Bihar Sports-University-cum-State Sports Complex in Rajgir. The tournament featured teams from India, China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand, making it a truly international affair. India’s historic victory in the final against China was a testament to the skill and determination of the team.
The ceremony was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Bihar Sports Minister Surendra Mehta, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Deepak Kumar, Development Commissioner Pratyaya Amrit, and Hockey India General Secretary Bhola Nath Singh. The event underscored the growing significance of sports in Bihar, and the state’s commitment to promoting athletics at both the national and international levels.
