Hockey India Honors Captain Salima Tete for 150 International Caps Achievement
Hockey India extended heartfelt congratulations to Indian Women's Hockey Team captain Salima Tete on Saturday, as she marked her 150th international appearance during the Final clash of the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 against England. This significant milestone underscores her enduring impact and dedication to the sport.
Rise from Debut to Leadership
Salima Tete, a 25-year-old midfielder from Jharkhand, made her debut for India in November 2016 during Test Matches against Australia in Melbourne. Known for her blistering pace and tireless work ethic, she has evolved into one of the most influential players in the national setup. Over the years, she has created numerous scoring opportunities for teammates while netting 16 goals herself, according to official press releases.
Key Career Highlights and Accolades
Salima's career has been marked by several pivotal moments and recognitions:
- Olympic Debut: At just 19, she achieved Olympian status as part of the historic Indian team that finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, a turning point that propelled her into standout performances.
- Tournament Successes: She was named Rising Player of the Tournament at the Women's Asia Cup 2022 in Muscat, where India secured third place. Salima also captained the team at the FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup 2021 in South Africa, leading to a fourth-place finish.
- Medal Contributions: At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, she scored a crucial goal in the bronze medal match against New Zealand, helping India secure their first official victory over the Kiwis via penalty shootout. She played an integral role in winning the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup Spain 2022.
- Recent Achievements: In 2023, Salima contributed to India's bronze medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games and excelled at the Jharkhand Women's Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023, scoring five goals in seven matches and earning Player of the Tournament honors.
Leadership and Off-Field Recognition
Salima's leadership qualities were formally recognized in 2024 when she was appointed Captain of the Indian Women's Hockey Team. Under her guidance, the team won gold at the Bihar Women's Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 and silver at the Women's Asia Cup Gongshu 2025. Off the field, her stature has grown with roles such as AHF Athletes Ambassador in March 2023, emphasizing her commitment to athlete development.
Her excellence has been acknowledged through numerous awards, including the Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women Under 21) in 2021, the prestigious Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year in 2023, and the national Arjuna Award in 2024.
Official Congratulations from Hockey India
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey praised Salima, stating, "Completing 150 international caps at such a young age is a wonderful achievement and speaks volumes about Salima's talent, consistency, and commitment to Indian hockey. She has grown tremendously as a player and led the team with great energy and maturity. Her journey from Jharkhand to captaining the team is truly inspiring."
Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh added, "Salima Tete has been one of the most exciting and influential players in recent years. Her ability to lead from the front, both in performance and attitude, makes her vital. Reaching 150 caps is a proud moment for her, her family, and Indian hockey as a whole."
This milestone not only celebrates Salima Tete's personal achievements but also highlights her role in elevating Indian women's hockey on the global stage.
