Jaipur, February 16, 2026: Rajasthan’s Churu-born hockey star Sonika Tandi has made headlines with her secretive, dowry-free wedding to Olympian Sumit Kumar. The ceremony, marked by simplicity and tradition, also saw a special twist: Sonika’s sisters received ₹1.5 lakh during the customary ‘Jute Chhupai’ ritual, sparking interest and admiration across the state.
Highlights of the Celebration
- Engagement for just ₹1 as a token gesture
- Dowry-free wedding
- ₹1.5 lakh distributed during the ‘Jute Chhupai’ ritual
- Star hockey player from Churu, Rajasthan
- 11-year journey in hockey to international acclaim
A Wedding of Simplicity and Tradition
The couple’s wedding, held quietly and without extravagance, stood out for its adherence to values over wealth. During the engagement, Sumit accepted only ₹1 as a symbolic token. Traditional rituals like ribbon-cutting and ‘Jute Chhupai’ (shoe-hiding) were performed with grace, and Sumit gifted approximately ₹1.5 lakh to Sonika’s sisters, turning the ritual into the talk of the town.
Dilip Tirki, President of Hockey India, remarked, “Athletes like Sonika Tandi and Sumit Kumar inspire the youth of our country. Their life choices, blending simplicity and strong values, are commendable.”
From a Rural Village to International Arenas
Born on March 20, 1997, in Galad village, Churu district, Sonika grew up in a humble rural setting. She has represented India at Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and the Asia Cup, winning medals and establishing herself as a formidable midfielder in the Indian women’s hockey team.
A Sporting Family Background
Sonika’s father, Daultaram Tandi, served as a Sub-Inspector and Traffic In-Charge in the Haryana Police before retiring, while her mother, Santosh Tandi, is a homemaker. She has two sisters, Monika and Deepika, and a younger brother, Mohit, currently pursuing his studies.
Early Passion and Determination
Sonika picked up her first hockey stick at just 11 years old, while studying in sixth grade at Police Public School, Hisar. Her talent quickly shone through, winning matches for her school and catching the attention of Sports Authority of India (SAI) coaches. She progressed to win multiple state and national gold medals.
Achieving International Glory Without Private Academies
Despite her rural upbringing, Sonika never trained at a private academy. She honed her skills under SAI officials and her coach Balraj Singh Sodhi. Her dedication, discipline, and perseverance propelled her to the international stage, making her a role model for aspiring athletes across India.
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