Pratima Barwa, the esteemed hockey coach known for mentoring Indian internationals like Salima Tete, Sangita Kumari, and Beauty Dungdung, passed away on Saturday at Ranchi’s Paras Hospital. She was 44.
Barwa had been undergoing treatment for paralysis and succumbed to a brain haemorrhage. The former hockey player turned coach dedicated her life to nurturing young talent, particularly in Simdega, before transferring her academy to Khunti.
Her coaching career began after a knee injury in 1995 cut short her aspirations as a player. Despite setbacks, she became a guiding force for aspiring athletes from smaller districts.
Following a COVID-19 infection, Barwa developed partial paralysis, which later led to speech difficulties.
She is survived by her husband, a Tripura police officer, and their son. Tributes have poured in from the hockey fraternity, with players and colleagues honouring her invaluable contributions to Indian hockey.
