'Hard Work is the Key': Salima Tete's Empowering Message on Women's Day
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Synopsis
As International Women’s Day draws near, Salima Tete, captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, sends a motivating message to young girls to pursue their dreams boldly. Her journey from a small village in Jharkhand to international recognition exemplifies resilience, especially following her leadership at the 2018 Youth Olympics.
Key Takeaways
- Salima Tete encourages girls to dream big.
- Her journey highlights resilience from Jharkhand.
- She led the junior team to silver in 2018 Olympics.
- Government support is crucial for athletes.
- Women's hockey is gaining recognition in India.
New Delhi, March 7 (NationPress) As we approach International Women’s Day, Salima Tete, the captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, conveyed a powerful message to young girls, encouraging them to aspire high and shatter limitations in any field they choose. Her inspiring journey from a humble village in Jharkhand to the global arena exemplifies her resilience and determination. Salima garnered national attention when she led the Indian junior team to a silver medal at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires.
“In certain regions, girls often lack adequate support. My parents have been incredibly supportive, and I want to inspire girls to pursue their dreams openly and without apprehension. It's often believed that individuals from rural areas face limitations, but that's a misconception. If you put in the effort, no one can hinder your progress,” Salima expressed during a virtual interaction from her hometown Simdega.
Her extraordinary ascent continued, making her the second athlete from Jharkhand, following Nikki Pradhan, to represent India at the Olympics. Over time, she has established herself as a pivotal player in Indian women’s hockey, significantly contributing to various prestigious tournaments.
From India's third-place finish in the FIH Hockey Women's Pro League (2021-22) to clinching a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Salima has cemented her status as a fierce defender and a leader.
Salima attributes much of her success to the steadfast backing she has received from both her family and the government. “The government has extended significant support to me. I have met Hemant Soren (Chief Minister of Jharkhand), who even allocated a plot for me. The government is prioritizing sports, and I hope they will continue to nurture athletes like me so we can elevate India’s status,” she shared.
Recognizing the importance of governmental initiatives, she also commended the central administration's efforts in advancing women’s hockey.
“I want to express my gratitude to the government for their support in sports. Previously, men's hockey enjoyed greater recognition, but now, for the first time, women’s hockey has been incorporated into the Hockey India League (HIL). This presents a wonderful opportunity for young athletes who may not have the chance to participate in camps. The platform is exceptional, and it will benefit future generations.”
Her leadership and resolve were evident when India secured their third Asian Champions Trophy title in November last year, overcoming China on home soil. This triumph provided the team with a vital morale boost following their failure to qualify for the Paris Olympics. Despite this setback, Salima remains resolute about the future, aiming to propel India to greater heights in women’s hockey.
