After participating in a sports and cultural exchange programme organized in the USA last month five women hockey players Pundi Saru, Juhi Kumari, Priyanka Kumari, Henrita Toppo and Poornima Neti returned to Jharkhand and met Chief Minister, Hemant Soren at his residential office, Kanke Road, in the State Capital on Friday.
All the players shared the experiences of the US tour with the Chief Minister and appreciated the efforts of the Chief Minister. All the players expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister. On the occasion, the Chief Minister wished and congratulated these five hockey players for their bright future.
On the occasion, Soren said that the State Government is doing the work of providing platforms to the players of Jharkhand. The Chief Minister said that work is being done continuously to bring up the possibilities of all sports in the State. “The State has to be taken forward as 'Khel Shakti'. Under the new sports policy, many plans have been made for the development of sports and players,” he added.
The Chief Minister said that special initiatives are being taken to identify talented sportspersons and to hone their skills. “Arrangements are being made to provide high level training to the players today. I feel happy that our girls are showing their skills in countries like America after coming out of rural areas. The whole Country is proud of the players of Jharkhand. The enthusiasm of all of you players is enough to tell that in the coming days, Jharkhand will progress a lot in the field of sports” he added.
On the occasion, all the women players shared their memories and experiences of the 3-week tour of America before the Chief Minister. All the players looked very excited. On this occasion the US Consulate Kolkata was also present.
On this occasion Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Rajiv Arun Ekka, CEO of Jharkhand State Khadi Village Industries Board, Rakhal Chandra Besra, Rishi Kant of Shakti Vahini Sansthan and others were present on the occasion.
The players-Pundi Saru, and Juhi Kumari resident of Khunti District, Priyanka Kumari resident Gumla and Henrita Toppo and Purnima Neti from Simdega district were selected for the programme in 2020 but the event scheduled this year. It was postponed because of the outbreak of global pandemic COVID-19. It was a 21 day programme from June 24 to July 13.
During the six days hockey training programme, five top field hockey players from the group of 100 players were selected to visit Middlebury College, Vermont, United States for training.