Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Honours Indian Women’s Hockey Team and Organizers of Asian Champions Trophy

Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday felicitated the Indian women’s hockey team, winners of the Bihar Women’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2024, along with their coach, support staff, and event organizers, in a ceremony held at Bapu Tower, Patna. The Chief Minister awarded Rs. 10 lakh each to the players and chief coach of the victorious Indian team, and Rs. 5 lakh each to the support staff. Officials and contributors from various departments who played a key role in the event’s success were also recognized with commendations.

The felicitation was a continuation of the Chief Minister’s announcement on the day of India’s championship win, where he pledged to honour the team and those involved in the tournament’s success.

Among those receiving the Rs. 10 lakh honorarium were Chief Coach Harendra Singh, team captain Salima Tete, vice-captain Navneet Kaur, and players 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. Support staff members, including Ms. Bilwa Suresh Ankita, Mr. Adrian D’Souza, Mr. Arthur Lucas, and others, received Rs. 5 lakh each.

Key contributors to the tournament’s success, including teams from Nalanda University, the Building Construction Department, Bihar State Sports Authority, and the district administrations of Nalanda and Gaya, were also presented with certificates of appreciation by the Chief Minister.

The Bihar Women’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, an international competition held for the first time in the state, took place in Rajgir from November 11 to 20. Teams from six nations—India, China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia—participated. India clinched the title by defeating China in a thrilling final.

The ceremony also featured a documentary showcasing the tournament’s organization, produced by the Sports Department and Bihar State Sports Authority.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister lauded the players and organizers for their outstanding efforts, emphasizing the importance of hosting international sporting events in promoting Bihar’s sporting culture. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting sports infrastructure and nurturing talent.

The event was attended by Sports Minister Surendra Mehta, Chief Secretary to the CM Deepak Kumar, Development Commissioner Pratyaya Amrit, and other senior officials. Indian women’s hockey team captain Salima Tete and vice-captain Navneet Kaur expressed their gratitude for the state’s support and encouragement.

The successful hosting of the tournament marked a milestone for Bihar in the global sports arena, with the event further boosting the state’s image as a hub for sports and cultural activities.