Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], March 11 (ANI): Indian Women’s Hockey Team defender Nikki Pradhan achieved a exceptional milestone by finishing 200 International Caps throughout the workforce’s match in opposition to Wales within the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 Hyderabad on Wednesday on the GMC Balayogi Hockey Ground (Gachibowli Hockey Complex), in line with a launch.
Pradhan made her worldwide debut throughout the India Tour of South Africa in 2016, and since then has been a constant presence within the Indian defence throughout a number of main tournaments. Hailing from Jharkhand, she additionally created historical past by turning into the primary feminine hockey participant from the state to characterize India on the Olympics, when she competed on the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. She was additionally a member of the Indian squad on the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics.
The 32-year-old defender has confirmed her mettle repeatedly and has been a part of a number of memorable achievements for the nationwide aspect. Her medal-winning outings embody Gold on the 2017 Women’s Asia Cup, Silver on the 2018 Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, Gold on the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023, and Silver on the Women’s Asia Cup Gongshu 2025.
Pradhan has additionally represented India at world occasions such because the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup in London. She was a key member of the workforce that secured a historic Silver Medal on the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang and was additionally a part of the squad that gained the FIH Women’s Series Finals Hiroshima 2019.
Additionally, Pradhan performed a vital function in India’s profitable marketing campaign in opposition to the United States throughout the FIH Olympic Qualifiers, serving to the workforce safe qualification for the Tokyo Olympics. She was additionally a part of the Indian workforce that clinched the Gold Medal on the FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2022 in Spain.
Congratulating her on reaching the milestone, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey stated, ‘Reaching 200 worldwide caps is a very particular achievement and a testomony to Nikki’s dedication, consistency, and keenness for the game. Over the years, she has grown right into a reliable defender and an vital pillar of the Indian workforce. Her journey from Jharkhand to representing India at two Olympic Games continues to encourage younger gamers throughout the nation. On behalf of Hockey India, I congratulate Nikki on this exceptional milestone and need her many extra profitable matches forward.’
Echoing the emotions, Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh stated, ‘Nikki Pradhan’s 200-cap milestone displays her resilience, self-discipline, and long-standing contribution to Indian hockey. She has been a dependable presence within the workforce via a number of Olympic cycles and main worldwide tournaments. Achievements like these spotlight the depth of expertise she brings to the squad, and we’re proud to see her proceed to serve Indian hockey with such dedication.’ (ANI)