Ranchi: The Jharkhand government on Friday announced a cash prize of each RS 50 lakh and new houses for Salima Tete and Nikki Pradhan Hockey players.
Salima and Nikki are in the Indian Women’s Hockey squad who are almost left behind in a bronze medal to the United Kingdom at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.
Chairman of the Jharkhand Minister Hemant Soren Tweeted: “Even though the Women’s Hockey Team was left with a bronze medal, his performance was amazing.
Jharkhandi players who are part of the team will be given by Rs 50 Lakh each by the government and their original houses will be converted to Pucca’s house .
“Salama is nineteen years old, who is a resident of Badkichapar Village under the SIMDEGA district conscious block, is the mainstay of the team in its search for the Olympic medal this year.
Salima received an award for her stick work and managed to get a penalty against the United Kingdom in Friday’s match, which in turn gave an important Indian team balance.
Nikki Hails from Blok Murhu in Khunti District.
In June this year, Soren has announced a cash prize from Rs 2 Crore for Jharkhand athletes if they go home with a gold medal, Rs 1 Crore for Bronze and Rs 75 Lakh for Bronze.
The day before their semi-final clashes, members of the Salima and Nikki family were handed over for each RS 5 Lakh to take part in the game.
In addition to Salima and Nikki, Archer Deepika Kumari secured the bed at the Tokyo Olympics, but fell from the team and individual events.
“Even though the state government has provided cash prizes for medal winners, the previous decision was changed by considering commendable efforts, our girls installed the game.
I salute the national women’s hockey team,” Soren said in a statement.
“By entering the semifinals, the team proves that he has what is needed to lock horns with any team in the world.
I congratulate every player, coach and support staff,” he said.
Soren also promised that the government is committed to providing any possible assistance and facilities to promise state sportsmen.