Salima Tete’s journey from Simdega, Jharkhand, a place not known for providing sports stars to India, to becoming Hockey India’s Player of the Year 2023 winner is truly inspiring. The 22-year-old, who used to ball with a bamboo stick when she was young and hails from a family that still lives in a house made of mud, will now take Rs 25 lakh prize money to her home and ensure that her family’s struggle ends from now on.
Being awarded the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year 2023 on Sunday (March 31), Salima won the Asian Games 2023 bronze medal, scoring 1 goal in the event, and was the Player of the Tournament in the Asian Champions Trophy 2023 for her 5 goals in India’s gold medal run. At 21, Salima has already become an integral part of the Indian women’s hockey team.
Latest in Hockey
My family wins this money: Salima Tete
Talking about the importance of the Rs 25 lakh prize money for her family, she said:
“When my family heard that I had been presented the award, they were also really proud of me. As part of the honour, we also receive cash incentives, which is also a huge thing for me. When I win this money, my family wins this money. I express my gratitude to Hockey India for making such provisions, and because of their support, I am able to provide and help my family members in our day-to-day lives.”
Check Out Our Latest Web Stories
Editors pick
