Nikki Pradhan

Full Description: Nikki Pradhan, born on December 8, 1993, is an Indian field hockey player and a valued member of the Indian national team. She made history as the first female hockey player from Jharkhand to represent India in the Olympics. Pradhan's inclusion in the 16-member squad for the Rio Olympics marked the return of Indian women's hockey to the Olympics after a 36-year hiatus, following an impressive performance at the Hockey World League Semifinals in 2015. Operating as a midfielder, Pradhan's selection to the team solidified her status as the sixth hockey player from Jharkhand to compete in the Olympics, joining the ranks of Jaipal Singh Munda (1928), Michael Kido (1972), Sylvanus Dungdung (1980), Ajeet Lakra (1992), and Manohar Topno (1984).