Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 5: Mahima Tete has had an exciting few weeks, transitioning from winning the Senior Women National Championship with Hockey Jharkhand to joining the Senior National camp. The 21-year-old is currently training at SAI, Bengaluru, alongside senior players, including her sister, captain Salima Tete.

Expressing her admiration for her sister, Mahima shared, “I have always aspired to follow in my sister's footsteps and contribute to my country. Training with her feels amazing. Whenever I make a mistake, she is there to guide me and help me improve. Didi has been incredibly supportive,” highlighting the bond they share during training.

As per a release from Hockey India, Mahima noted that Salima provided her with valuable advice before they entered the camp together. “She encouraged me to work diligently and not shy away from challenges. She emphasized giving my all on the field. In domestic matches, the pace is slower, but with senior players, I need to play fast-paced hockey and stay alert, so I was mentally ready for training,” she explained.

Initially part of a 65-member core probables group, Mahima's outstanding performance in training led to her selection in the 40-member squad announced on April 2. Reflecting on her experience with senior players, she remarked, “It's a different dynamic than what I'm used to. Practicing with the seniors is beneficial, and I’m thrilled to be part of the senior team, but I know I must work hard to reach the required level.”

“To compete with international athletes, we must be exceptionally fit and agile. Therefore, the training in the senior camp is quite rigorous,” she added.

Mahima's entry into the senior camp follows her impressive performance in the 15th Senior Women National Championship, where she played a crucial role for Hockey Jharkhand in all five matches.

“At the beginning of the tournament, we didn’t expect to reach the finals. However, as we advanced, we realized we couldn’t afford to lose. We were determined to win the gold medal, as it was our first, and we worked hard as a team to achieve it,” she stated.

Hockey Jharkhand triumphed over defending champions Hockey Haryana with a score of 4-3 in a shootout to claim the title. Mahima revealed that she was unwell on the day of the final. “I was sick, which is why I didn’t participate in the final shootout. I drank four bottles of water beforehand and prepared myself to play the entire match. I was determined to help my team secure the gold medal, so I pushed through my illness and gave it my all in the final,” she shared.

Looking ahead, Mahima concluded, “I need to put in significant effort to reach the level of the other senior players. My goal is to improve enough to secure a spot in the starting lineup.”