Asunta Lakra, a symbol for tribal hope

She grew up watching her father and brother play hockey. It was the most popular sport in Jharkhand's Simdega region, and Asunta Lakra knew this is what she wanted to play and excel in for the rest of her life.

Today, Asunta, 25, is the captain of the Indian woman's national team and as she prepares for the London Olympic qualifiers, she is aware of the added responsibility of being an inspiration for India's tribal youth.

"I never knew a lot about hockey as a child. I just use to play the game since I enjoyed it," she said on the sidelines of the Tribal Festival on Sunday.

Asunta and Dilip Tirkey, former Indian men's captain, were both felicitated at the meet. Both belong to the Oraon tribe in Jharkhand.

Asunta remembered her formative years as a hockey player. "There were hardly any facilities in our village. We would make hockey sticks out of tree branches and the ball use to be made from dried or ripe sharifa (custard apple)," she said.

"My brother always reminded me of the qualities that made me a unique player. It was this prodding that led me to practice a lot on my slapshot, a move which I am known for now," she said.