Bichu Devi Kharibam’s Personal Details
Name: Bichu Devi Kharibam
Date of Birth: 3 December 2000
Birthplace: Manipur, India
Position: Goalkeeper
Bichu Devi Kharibam was born in Manipur, a state known for producing several talented hockey players. Interestingly, she did not begin her sporting journey with hockey. Bichu initially played football, but after missing out on local football selections, her father encouraged her to try out for hockey. She made the selection, marking the beginning of her journey in the sport, though she initially played with hesitation.
In 2015, after a strong performance in a match against Jharkhand, she was spotted by coach and hockey umpire Napoleon Singh. Following his recommendation, Bichu moved to the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy in Gwalior, where she trained under coach Paramjeet Singh and developed into a skilled goalkeeper.
Bichu first gained international recognition during the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, where she represented India in the Hockey5s format. The Indian team finished with a silver medal, marking one of her early achievements on the international stage. In 2019, she continued to impress in the junior circuit.
She was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the 4 Nations Junior Women Invitational Tournament in Dublin, Ireland, where India went on to win the gold medal. That year, she also represented India in a test series against France and Belarus, and later participated in a three-nation tournament in Australia. She was also part of the Indian squad at the 2021 FIH Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup in Potchefstroom, South Africa, where India finished fourth.
Bichu made her senior debut for India in 2022 during the FIH Hockey Pro League in Bhubaneswar, playing against Germany. Since then, she has become a regular member of the national setup. She was part of the Indian team that won gold at the 2022 FIH Women’s Nations Cup in Spain, a key tournament that helped India qualify for the FIH Pro League.
At the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, she was part of the Indian squad that won the bronze medal. Bichu also represented India at the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy in Ranchi, where the team secured the gold medal, and again in 2024 in Rajgir, where India defended their title.
At the domestic level, Bichu represents Indian Oil Corporation Limited in national tournaments. She also joined Delhi SG Pipers in the 2025 season of the Hero Hockey India League, competing among the top players in the country.
Medal Highlights
Silver Medal – Youth Olympic Games 2018, Buenos Aires
Gold Medal – FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2022, Spain
Bronze Medal – Asian Games 2022, Hangzhou
Gold Medal – Asian Champions Trophy 2023, Ranchi
Gold Medal – Asian Champions Trophy 2024, Rajgir
Silver Medal – Asia Cup 2025
