India, Aug. 29 -- For Salima Tete, leading the India Women's hockey team onto the field is a feeling that is unmatched. Describing the swell of pride when the national anthem rings out through the stadium, she says, "For me, it is about standing shoulder to shoulder with my teammates, knowing we represent the dreams of so many. Jana Gana Mana playing before a match is the fuel that reminds me why we fight so hard." The 23-year-old looks back on her journey from leading the Indian squad at the 2018 Youth Olympics to becoming the first female hockey player from Jharkhand to win an Arjuna Award last year. Growing up as the daughter of farmers in the tiny district of Simdega, Salima recalls pushing through without basic infrastructure when she first began playing hockey: "I didn't have the means when I was growing up, but my parents encouraged me to continue. We used to train in dusty grounds that were full of rocks." As captain of the national squad, she tells us how often she's approached by young girls seeking advice on their own game. Noting that she's seen firsthand how the country's perception of women athletes has evolved, she shares, "Earlier, people would say, 'Hockey is too rough for girls.' But today, they celebrate our 2022 Asian Games medals and our Olympic performances. That is a victory in itself because it proves that women are no longer on the sidelines - we are at the centre of the field." "None of this was easy, but every step has been worth it if it shows even one young girl from a small village that her dream is possible," Salima reflects, adding, "It feels like finally our stories are being heard. That is as important as the medals we bring back. To see people crowding into stadiums, tuning in on their TVs, and celebrating our wins shows me how much India has changed."...