Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday felicitated the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, the champions of the Hockey. The event recognised the players, chief coach, support staff, and contributors who played pivotal roles in the competition’s success.
The Chief Minister awarded an honorarium of ₹10 lakh each to the players and chief coach of the victorious Indian team, and ₹5 lakh to the supporting staff. Additionally, government officials and other contributors to the event were presented with letters of appreciation for their efforts.
At the ceremony, the Chief Minister honoured the Chief Coach Harendra Singh, Captain Salima Tete, Vice-Captain Navneet Kaur, and team members Sharmila Devi, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Priya Sirohi, Savita, Sangeeta Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Udita, Vaishnavi Vithal Phalke, Lalremsiami, Baljeet Kaur, Jyoti, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Sunelita Toppo, Neha, Preeti Dubey, Manisha Chauhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Beauty Dungdung, and Deepika. The support staff, including Ms. Bilwa Suresh Ankita, Mr. Adrian D’Souza, Arthur Lucas, Dave Smolenaars, Ms. Rakhi Vinay Darne, Mr. Edison Elias, Ms. Francis Pushpavati, and Mr. Amutha Prakash Perumal, were also recognised.
The Vice-Chancellor of Nalanda University, officials from departments such as Sports, Building Construction, and Information and Public Relations, along with teams from the Bihar State Sports Authority and district administrations of Nalanda and Gaya, received commendations for their contributions.
The international-level Bihar Women’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2024 was held in Rajgir from 11 to 20 November, featuring teams from six countries: India, China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia. India emerged victorious by defeating China in the final.
During the felicitation, Principal Secretary of the General Administration and Sports Department Dr. B. Rajender presented a shawl to the Chief Minister, and Hockey India Secretary General Mr. Bhola Nath Singh presented a memento. A documentary showcasing the successful organisation of the tournament, produced by the Sports Department and Bihar State Sports Authority, was screened at the event.
The event was attended by Sports Minister Surendra Mehta, senior government officials, and other dignitaries, alongside the Indian Women’s Hockey Team and their support staff.
