From Simdega Fields To PM’s Table: Salima Tete’s Inspiring Rise In Indian Hockey

From quietly practising alone on dusty training fields to sharing a meal with global leaders, Salima Tete’s journey is a testament to grit and ambition.

The captain of India’s national women’s hockey team recently had lunch with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Delhi – a moment that marks how far she has come.

Hockey Simdega president Manoj Konbegi, who first recommended Salima for training at the Simdega centre, called it a proud moment for their district’s sporting community.

Salima first drew national attention during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where the Indian women’s team reached the semifinals for the first time.

Despite narrowly missing a medal, her standout performance earned praise from PM Modi, who famously remarked, “Aur Salima ka to kya kehna!”

Nicknamed ‘Ferrari’ by former coach Sjoerd Marijne for her lightning speed, Salima’s early journey was full of obstacles.

For two years, she was unable to gain entry to her district’s residential hockey academy.

Determined to prove herself, she lived in temporary shelters, cooked with supplies brought by her father, and trained solo every Sunday.

Roots & Rise Of Salima Tete

Born in 2001 to farmers Sulakshan and Subani Tete in Badkichhaper village, her potential first emerged during her time at RC Middle School, Tumdegi.

She got her first big break after impressing at the Lathakhamhan hockey tournament, catching the eye of Konbegi.

In 2013, Salima secured admission to SS Girls School in Simdega, where coach Pratima Barwa helped refine her natural game.

Her leadership qualities came to the fore when she captained the Indian team to a silver medal at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires.

In 2023, she led the Indian side at the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in Ranchi, a moment that brought top-level international hockey to her home state of Jharkhand.

From overcoming basic challenges to rubbing shoulders with world leaders, Salima Tete’s journey highlights the power of resilience and sport.

She continues to inspire young athletes, especially from tribal and rural backgrounds, proving that determination can carry dreams all the way to the top.

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