Woman hockey player of the State, Nikki Pradhan has been selected for the women’s hockey squad that will take part in the Rio Olympics. Pradhan is the first woman hockey player from the State who would be playing Olympics. Earlier, Sylvanus Dungdung and Manohar Toppo from men’s hockey team have taken part in Moscow and los Angeles Olympics respectively in 1980 and 1984.
The young hockey player is a midfielder presently taking part in the training camp for Rio Olympics in New Delhi. She hails from Khunti district of the State and works with the Indian Railways.
Chief Minister Raghubar Das, Sports Minister Amar Kumar Bauri former CM Arjun Munda and several other people wished luck for Pradhan. In his message CM Raghubar Das said that Nikki has made the State proud. The CM conveyed his best wishes to the young hockey player and wished that the nation bags a medal at the Rio Olympics.
Former CM Arjun Munda also wished the player luck and said that he hoped the team would bag a medal. Sports Minister Amar Bauri said that Nikki’s selection in the Indian squad would boost morale of the sportspersons in State.
Hockey Jharkhand president Bhola Singh and members also expressed happiness on Nikki’s selection calling it a proud moment for the sports in the State. Veteran Hockey player Asunta lakda also wished Pradhan luck saying that the selection would encourage women players of Jharkhand.
Nikki has taken training at NSTC Centre at Bariatu, Ranchi in 2005. Her coach is Fulkeria Nag.