Reflecting on the victory, Indian team captain Salima Tete expressed her gratitude for the incredible support they received in Rajgir. \u201cPlaying in Rajgir was a special experience, especially since it was the first international hockey tournament hosted here. The energy and encouragement from the crowd were unmatched, and it gave us an added boost throughout the competition. I truly believe this victory will inspire more young girls to take up hockey and further elevate the sport in India. We are thrilled to be able to bring this win to our fans and our nation.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Looking ahead, Salima shared the team\u2019s aspirations for future international events, emphasising their commitment to qualifying for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. \u201cWhile we celebrate this win, our focus remains on long-term goals. We are working hard every day, trusting the process, and staying dedicated to delivering our best in every tournament. Our ultimate aim is to bring more laurels to India and make the country proud,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Notably, Salima will next feature in the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25, where women\u2019s teams will participate for the first time in the league\u2019s history. Representing Soorma Hockey Club, she expressed excitement about playing in her hometown, Ranchi, where most of the women\u2019s HIL matches will be held.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI am super excited to participate in the HIL, and it\u2019s even more special because women\u2019s teams are competing for the first time. Playing in Ranchi will be a surreal experience, given how passionate the fans are there. Their energy will be a big motivation for me, and I\u2019m eager to give my best to help my team win,\u201d the 22-year-old midfielder said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India entered the Bihar ACT Rajgir 2024 as defending champions and showcased exceptional dominance throughout the tournament. They began with a commanding 4-0 win over Malaysia, followed by a closely contested 3-2 victory against South Korea. Their group-stage campaign also included a 13-0 demolition of Thailand and back-to-back 3-0 victories over China and Japan. In the semis, India overcame Japan 2-0 before edging past China in a tightly contested Final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI am super excited to participate in the HIL, and it\u2019s even more special because women\u2019s teams are competing for the first time. Playing in Ranchi will be a surreal experience, given how passionate the fans are there. Their energy will be a big motivation for me, and I\u2019m eager to give my best to help my team win,\u201d the 22-year-old midfielder said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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