Nikki Pradhan and Salima Tete, the two poster girls of Jharkhand hockey received rousing welcome upon their return on Wednesday after representing the country in this year’s Tokyo Olympics as part of Indian women’s team, which scripted history by reaching this the semi-finals for the first time.

Nikki Pradhan and Salima Tete, two Jharkhand girls who were part of India's women's hockey team that won over the nation for a spirited performance in the Games, received a rousing welcome upon their return to Ranchi on Wednesday.

Chief minister Hemant Soren gives a cheque to Salima Tete (second from right) while Nikki stands to his left. Also in picture, sports minister Hafizul Hassan (extreme left) and social welfare minister Joba Majhi (right). The Telegraph picture

Amid chants of "Chak de India", the two boarded two jeeps decked up with flowers, and were driven to Project Building for a meeting with the chief minister while young hocky players stood by the side of the road from Ranchi airport waving the Tricolour.

Hemant Soren pose for a group photograph with players and their kin. The Telegraph picture

Soon after, chief minister Hemant Soren handed each of them a cheque of Rs 50 lakh, a scooty, a laptop and a smartphone. The duo was also promised a 3000 sq feet "pucca house" of their choice.

Later, talking briefly with Telegraph Online, Salima said that they had not expected such a grand welcome. “I didn’t expect such a warm welcome in Ranchi today. I am happy for all that that state government and Hockey Jharkhand has done for us. I can only say that I will work doubly hard from now on so that in the next Olympics, we can win a medal,” she said.

A view of the decked up open jeep outside the airport. The Telegraph picture

Nikki and Salima, accompanied by Hockey Jharkhand president Bholanath Singh, reached Ranchi airport from Delhi at 12.45pm. They were received by state sports minister Hafizul Hassan Ansari and several officials.

There was excitement all around the airport as hordes of fans, many of them sportspersons brimming with energy, had gathered there to receive the duo. They jostled for space to get a look at the two players amid chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai," and "Chak de India".

Sports minister Hafizul Hassan with Nikki Pradhan (left) and Salima Tete at Ranchi airport lounge. The Telegraph picture

Outside the terminal, several budding players stood by the side of road near the airport holding Indian flags in their honour.

In view of the ongoing Covid pandemic, security was tight at the reception area to ensure that the returning players and officials don’t get caught in the crowd.

The state government had arranged two open jeeps, decked up with garlands. Nikki and Salima boarded them with their families for a drive down to Project Building where a felicitation ceremony had been planned with none other than the chief minister.

While Nikki represented the country in the Olympics for the second consecutive time, this was Salima’s maiden stint on the global stage. Both defenders were an integral part of the national team throughout the Tokyo Games where the team ultimately lost out to Great Britain in keenly flight semi-final that went down to the wire.

“Even though our women's team missed out on winning a medal by a whisker, no one can discredit them for the way they played throughout the tournament," said Hemant. "Nikki and Salima, our daughters, deserve all the applause and recognition for their contribution. Whatever gifts we are giving them today is only a token of appreciation for their hard work and achievements accrued after battling numerous challenges.”

Hemant promised them that his government would ensure that the two get a pucca house wherever they wish soon. “I had promised them to get their house refurbished into a pucca one, which we will do. The state government will provide it either in their native village or somewhere else as per their wish. A concrete house of 3000 sq feet will be given to them and they are also free to choose the layout and architecture of their house,” he said.

Nikki, Salima with hockey Jharkhand president Bholanath Singh inside the flight before deboarding at Ranchi airport. The Telegraph picture

Reiterating his government’s commitment to the promotion of sports, Hemant said as per the state sports policy, every deserving national and international player will get direct jobs, besides a host of other facilities.

In another significant announcement, he said that the government will soon come up with a plan to provide assistance to players and coaches who meet with injuries or untoward incidents while playing. “We have taken an in-principle decision in this regard and a proper plan will be worked out soon. The government will bear the entire hospitalization cost of any player or coach in case he/she meets with any injuries while playing,” he underlined.