On Saturday, Hockey India extended its congratulations to Captain Salima Tete for reaching her 150th appearance with the Indian Women's Hockey Team during the final match of the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 against England.

Salima, recognized for her exceptional speed and relentless effort in midfield, made her international debut in November 2016 during Test Matches against Australia in Melbourne. The 25-year-old midfielder from Jharkhand has since become a pivotal player for the national team, contributing significantly with 16 goals and creating numerous scoring chances for her teammates.

Rise to Prominence on the International Stage

At just 19, Salima achieved Olympian status as part of the Indian team that finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. This experience marked a significant turning point in her career, establishing her as a key player in subsequent tournaments. She was later honored as the Rising Player of the Tournament at the Women's Asia Cup 2022 in Muscat, where India secured third place.

Salima also led the Indian team at the FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup 2021 in Potchefstroom, South Africa, finishing fourth. During the 2022 Commonwealth Games, she scored a vital goal in the 3rd/4th place match against New Zealand, helping India achieve its first official victory over the Kiwis in a penalty shootout and clinch the Bronze medal. Additionally, she played a crucial role in the Indian Women's Hockey Team's victory at the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup in Spain in December 2022.

Continued Success and Recognition

In 2023, Salima was instrumental in India's Bronze medal win at the Hangzhou Asian Games. Her standout performance came at the Jharkhand Women's Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023, where she netted five goals in seven matches and was named Player of the Tournament.

Beyond her on-field achievements, Salima was appointed as an AHF Athletes Ambassador in March 2023, highlighting her commitment to athlete representation and development. Her leadership qualities were recognized in 2024 when she was named Captain of the Indian Women's Hockey Team, leading them to Gold at the Bihar Women's Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 and a Silver medal at the Women's Asia Cup Gongshu 2025.

Major Awards and Honours

Salima's ascent in international hockey has been acknowledged through various awards. In 2021, she received the Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women Under 21), showcasing her potential as a rising star. Her excellence continued to shine in 2023 when she was awarded the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year. In 2024, her contributions to Indian hockey were further recognized with the prestigious Arjuna Award.

Hockey India Officials Praise Salima's Achievement

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed his admiration for Salima's milestone, stating, "Achieving 150 international caps at such a young age is a remarkable feat that reflects Salima's talent, consistency, and dedication to Indian hockey. Her growth as a player and her leadership qualities are commendable. Salima's journey from Jharkhand to captaincy is truly inspiring, and we congratulate her on this significant milestone, wishing her continued success."

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh added, "Salima Tete has emerged as one of the most exciting and influential players in Indian women's hockey. Her leadership and performance have made her an invaluable asset to the team. Reaching 150 caps is a proud moment for her, her family, and Indian hockey. We celebrate this landmark achievement and anticipate many more milestones in her career."