Salima Tete, born on December 26, 2001, in Simdega district, Jharkhand, is a prominent Indian field hockey midfielder and the current captain of the Indian women’s national hockey team. Coming from a farming family with a hockey-playing father, she rose through grassroots hockey to become one of India’s key players and leaders.
Early Life and Background
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Hails from a small village in Simdega, Jharkhand, a region known for producing hockey talent.
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Introduced to hockey by her father, Sulakshan Tete, who registered her for a village tournament in 2010.
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Trained at the Jharkhand Government Girls’ Academy in Simdega after impressing local hockey officials with her speed and skill.
Career Highlights
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National Team Debut: Made her senior debut in 2016 against Belarus.
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Youth Olympics: Captained India to a silver medal at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.
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Olympics: Played a key role in India’s historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
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Captaincy: Appointed captain of the Indian women’s hockey team on May 2, 2023, succeeding Savita Punia.
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Major Tournaments:
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Led India to victory in the 2024 Women’s Asian Champions Trophy.
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Played in the 2022 Commonwealth Games (bronze medal) and 2022 Women’s Asia Cup (third place).
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International Caps: Over 120 appearances for India as of early 2025.
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Awards: Received the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2024 for her outstanding contributions to Indian hockey.
Playing Profile
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Position: Midfielder
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Strengths:
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Exceptional speed and precision in ball control
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Strong defensive abilities and tactical awareness
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Leadership qualities and composure under pressure
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Style:
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Dynamic midfielder known for her ability to break opposition lines and support both defense and attack
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Combines technical skill with relentless work ethic
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Notable Facts
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Second player from Jharkhand to compete in the Olympics after Nikki Pradhan.
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Known for her fearless play and inspiring young girls from her home region to take up hockey.
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Dedicated her Arjuna Award to her entire team, emphasizing the collective nature of the sport.
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Her rise is a testament to talent nurtured in rural India overcoming socioeconomic challenges.
FAQs About Salima Tete
What position does Salima Tete play?
Midfielder
Where is she from?
Simdega district, Jharkhand, India
How old is Salima Tete?
23 (born December 26, 2001; as of mid-2025)
What are her main achievements?
Captain of India’s women’s hockey team, Youth Olympic silver medalist (2018), Tokyo 2020 Olympian (4th place), Asian Champions Trophy winner (2024), Commonwealth Games bronze medalist (2022), Arjuna Awardee (2024)
What is her playing style?
Fast, precise, and tactically intelligent midfielder with strong leadership and defensive skills
Conclusion
Salima Tete stands out as a dynamic leader and skilled midfielder in Indian women’s hockey. From humble beginnings in Jharkhand to captaining the national team and earning the Arjuna Award, her journey inspires many and highlights her vital role in India’s rise on the international hockey stage.
