Jharkhand: Jharkhand villages get giant LEDs to watch their girls play hockey | India News
GUMLA: Nikki Pradhan stands tall in the realm of Indian hockey — a formidable force on the field, representing her country as a two-time Olympian. Alongside fellow forwards Salima Tete and Sangita Kumari, she has earned numerous accolades for India.
The sad reality is that their families, residing in remote villages of Jharkhand, have never witnessed their heroic performances live on television due to their inability to afford TV sets.But like they say in hockey that “great moments are born from great opportunities”, a different story unfolded this year. These tranquil hamlets spring to life each evening at 8pm, thanks to gigantic mobile LED vans broadcasting the live action from the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy being held in Ranchi.
Starting Tuesday, three of these vans were dispatched, with one stationed in Nikki’s village of Hesal in Khunti, another in Salima’s village of Badkichhaper, and the third in Sangita’s Karangagudi-Navatoli village in Simdega.
On match days, these vans are positioned near the homes of these hockey stars, attracting the entire village to witness their daughters playing live in Ranchi. Shishir Minz, the former head of Basen panchayat, could hardly believe his eyes when the first LED vehicle reached Karangagudi-Navatoli. The residents — men, women, and children alike — dressed in colourful attire, and danced for joy. “It’s a great opportunity to see our players on screen in the village itself. We thank CM Hemant Soren, who arranged this for us.” Minz said.
Sangita’s father Anselen Kujur, who encouraged his daughter to pursue hockey, shed tears of happiness. He believes that this initiative will rejuvenate interest in the sport, inspiring more budding players from these unassuming regions.
With some of India’s top hockey players originating from remote villages in Jharkhand, Odisha, Mizoram, and other parts of the country, the villagers hope that their success on the field will translate into development for their communities. “Sangita brought fame to our village. Now we hope development follows suit,” said Amit Lal, a local businessman.
Salima’s father Sulakshan Tete was equally elated: “Our village boys and girls are delighted to see Jharkhand players on the big screen right at their doorsteps.”
Nikki’s school coach Dashrath Mahto and Simdega public relations officer Aasha Maxima Lakra believe that the government’s latest initiative will inspire numerous promising talents to follow in the footsteps of Nikki and other state players. “These LED vans will continue to show matches till the final of the tournament on November 5,” said Lakra, amidst resounding cheers of the villagers.
The sad reality is that their families, residing in remote villages of Jharkhand, have never witnessed their heroic performances live on television due to their inability to afford TV sets.But like they say in hockey that “great moments are born from great opportunities”, a different story unfolded this year. These tranquil hamlets spring to life each evening at 8pm, thanks to gigantic mobile LED vans broadcasting the live action from the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy being held in Ranchi.
Starting Tuesday, three of these vans were dispatched, with one stationed in Nikki’s village of Hesal in Khunti, another in Salima’s village of Badkichhaper, and the third in Sangita’s Karangagudi-Navatoli village in Simdega.
On match days, these vans are positioned near the homes of these hockey stars, attracting the entire village to witness their daughters playing live in Ranchi. Shishir Minz, the former head of Basen panchayat, could hardly believe his eyes when the first LED vehicle reached Karangagudi-Navatoli. The residents — men, women, and children alike — dressed in colourful attire, and danced for joy. “It’s a great opportunity to see our players on screen in the village itself. We thank CM Hemant Soren, who arranged this for us.” Minz said.
Sangita’s father Anselen Kujur, who encouraged his daughter to pursue hockey, shed tears of happiness. He believes that this initiative will rejuvenate interest in the sport, inspiring more budding players from these unassuming regions.
With some of India’s top hockey players originating from remote villages in Jharkhand, Odisha, Mizoram, and other parts of the country, the villagers hope that their success on the field will translate into development for their communities. “Sangita brought fame to our village. Now we hope development follows suit,” said Amit Lal, a local businessman.
Salima’s father Sulakshan Tete was equally elated: “Our village boys and girls are delighted to see Jharkhand players on the big screen right at their doorsteps.”
Nikki’s school coach Dashrath Mahto and Simdega public relations officer Aasha Maxima Lakra believe that the government’s latest initiative will inspire numerous promising talents to follow in the footsteps of Nikki and other state players. “These LED vans will continue to show matches till the final of the tournament on November 5,” said Lakra, amidst resounding cheers of the villagers.
