From becoming the first woman hockey player to lead the Indian hockey team to clinching gold medal at 2002 commonwealth games, this hockey player with her sheer dedication has added another feather in her cap. The hockey superstar of Jharkhand, Sumrai Tete after representing India at various international hockey tournaments has become the first woman hockey player to be nominated for Dhyan Chand Award for lifetime Achievement 2016.
Tete who has been successful in scripting several success stories during her journey, said, “The feeling is yet to sink in. I am happy that as a player of National game, my long awaited dream has been fulfilled. I have always tried my best to give it in my career while carrying the rich legacy of players from the State.”
Even though after getting injured at 2006 during a tournament that eventually ended her international career, Tete stood up strong to fight against all odds. “Injuries do sake your spirit but if you are mentally strong, no one can stop your journey. You just have to keep yourself motivated,” added Tete while sharing her experience with The Pioneer after being nominated for the prestigious honour.
However, even after much promotion of the national game and hockey league tournaments, this sport is yet to get its share of success as the young brigades are more inclined towards cricket, on this, Tete said that it depends upon person to person. “This is one false notion; every sport has its own significance. As a trainer, I get several students who are interested in making their name in hockey. We talk about cricket, even women cricket was not recognized earlier but with the changing time, things are getting placed very well.”
Although, she said that quality of players is being degraded in the absence of trained professionals and blamed the government for not taking enough measures. “Though government is taking few steps but few significant projects need immediate attention. At present, we have only two maintained Astroturf stadiums at Ranchi and Simdega district for hockey practitioners. Astroturf stadiums at Khunti and Gumla crave for maintenance, it is important to boost infrastructure so that players can be polished well.”
Overwhelmed with her success and on women empowerment, before signing off, she emphasized on increasing the number of girl tournaments so that more female talents can be nurtured well. Tete even stated that more provisions should be made for coaches so that they soon have to suffer and a fair number of players can be groomed from each district.
looking at the achievement of Tete, on Monday, a felicitation ceremony was organized by Ranchi Railway Division officials. Notably, Tete has been serving Indian Railway for quite some time.