Asia Cup champions receive grand welcome at Airport
Surendra Soren
Ranchi
A rousing reception was accorded to eight hockey players from Jharkhand who were part of India’s successful campaign at the Under-18 Asia Cup 2026, held in Kakamigahara, Japan.
The players arrived in Ranchi on Tuesday after attending a felicitation programme organised by Hockey India in New Delhi. They were warmly welcomed at Birsa Munda Airport by officials of Hockey Jharkhand and enthusiastic supporters.
The Indian men’s hockey team clinched the gold medal at the tournament, held from May 29 to June 6, while the women’s team secured a bronze medal, bringing laurels to the country at the continental level.
Among the gold medal-winning men’s team were Jharkhand players Ashish Tani Purti and Premchand. The bronze medal-winning women’s team featured six players from the state — Sandeepa Kumari, Pushpa Manjhi, Sugan Sanga, Khili Kumari, Neelam Topno, and Shruti Kumari — all of whom played crucial roles in the team’s performance.
The players were given a traditional welcome upon arrival, with rituals such as ceremonial hand-washing and garlanding marking the occasion.
Several dignitaries and sports enthusiasts were present to greet the players, including Hockey Jharkhand general secretary Vijay Shankar Singh, Ashok Bhagat, Ashrita Lakra, Dashrath Mahto, hockey coach Karuna Purti, Dulari Topno, and Manish, among others.
The grand welcome reflected the pride and enthusiasm of the state in celebrating its young sporting heroes, who have brought honour to Jharkhand and the nation.
