Shahnawaz Quraishi
Jan 17, 2025 11:37 IST First published on: Jan 17, 2025 at 11:35 IST
There is a certain lightness with which people of Jharkhand, especially Adivasis, carry themselves. A Mundari proverb sums up the life philosophy of the Adivasis: “Sen gi, kazi gee durang, doori gi durang” (Walking is dance and speaking is singing.) This joie de vivre often finds expression in a love for sports. Jharkhand abounds with sporting talent.
The Adivasis have traditionally excelled in hockey. In recent years, women’s hockey has witnessed an efflorescence in the state. Local tournaments attract thousands of spectators. Several stadiums, even in areas not easy to access, are packed to the rafters.
During the Asian Championship in 2023, the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, which can take 7,000 spectators, was brimming over with an attendance of more than 10,000. Many others would be seen watching the game on the screen outside the stadium. Similar scenes were witnessed during the Olympic qualifiers last year.
On January 12, the iconic venue was witness to a historic event. The first Women’s Hockey India League, coinciding with 100 years of Hockey India, began in Jharkhand’s capital. In a cricket-crazy country, it was refreshing to see the enthusiasm for a women’s hockey match. Spectators braved the biting cold to pack the stadium. The drums, cymbals and trumpets conveyed the festive spirit, but never did the crowd get out of hand. Thousands of others who couldn’t find a place inside the stadium did not let the disappointment dampen their spirit. They were huddled outside the stadium, keeping track of the score. The CEO of the Asian Hockey Federation, Tayyab Ikram, put it aptly: “I have never seen such passion for women’s hockey anywhere else in the world”.
In the past four decades, Jharkhand has become the nursery of women’s hockey. Players from the state are almost always a part of the national team. The current captain of the Indian team, Salima Tete, an Arjuna Awardee, is from the state.
Hockey India’s head Dilip Tirkey has often spoken of the extraordinary interest among the people of Jharkhand in the game. Hockey India’s general secretary Bholanath Singh too has spoken of the love for hockey in every nook and corner of the state. The recent successes at the international level have added to the enthusiasm for hockey. Singh believes that Ranchi can host the women’s World Cup.
Hockey is not just a sport for Adivasis. It’s a part of their culture, a way of life. Hockey tournaments are part of the sports calendar of Khunti, Ranchi, Ghumla, and Simdega districts. In fact, between July and September, hundreds of tournaments are held in Simdega alone.
The passion for hockey can be ascribed to a few reasons.
Sports is a way of life for tribal communities. People from the community, including women, take to hockey from a young age. And, team spirit and competitiveness are part of their culture. Women are taught the virtues of hard work from childhood and a never-say-die attitude is instilled in them from an early age. Adivasi society also teaches women to be independent. Since the 1980s, 70-80 players from Jharkhand have donned the national colour. They are role models for people in all parts of the state, especially its rural areas.
Jharkhand’s landscape is ideal for hockey. The state is full of maidans and open spaces.
The state government has also done its bit for the sport. There are hockey academies in Simdega, Khunti and Ranchi. Young players are given scholarships and employment opportunities. More than 60 women hockey players have received government employment. The state has stadiums of international standards. Visiting stadiums to cheer their hockey heroes is a part of Jharkhand’s culture.
The state can become a sporting hub by providing more encouragement at the village and block level, creating avenues for coaches at the panchayat level, and giving attention to the nutrition of youngsters. It also needs to develop more infrastructure. Neighbouring Odisha could be a good example.
Quraishi is the author of Jharkhand Mein Mahila Hockey
Discover the Benefits of Our Subscription!
Stay informed with access to our award-winning journalism.
Avoid misinformation with trusted, accurate reporting.
Make smarter decisions with insights that matter.
Choose your subscription package
