India women's hockey awarded cash after Asian Games 2026 gold in Gifu

Hockey India announced Rs 11 lakh for each player and Rs 5.5 lakh for each support staff member after India’s women’s hockey team won the Asian Games 2026 gold at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on October 2. The federation raised the payout from an initial pledge of Rs 10 lakh per player and Rs 5 lakh per support staff member.

President Dilip Tirkey had first named the lower figures before secretary general Bhola Nath Singh announced the increased amounts. In a video message Tirkey said, "Yesterday, the women’s team put up a splendid performance. They created history by winning the gold medal after 1982, and they played perfect hockey. I want to…" Tirkey confirmed the federation added Rs 1 lakh after watching the team’s performance and thanked the Odisha government and the Sports Ministry for their support.

India defeated China 1-0 in the final, with the match’s only goal coming in the 10th minute. Captain Salima Tete won the ball just outside the circle and fed Lalremsiami, who struck a reverse shot into the roof of the net in her 200th international match.

China entered the final as the defending Asian Games champions, Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallists and the world No. 4 side, and they held the majority of possession during the game. India’s defence restricted clear chances; Navneet Kaur deflected a penalty-corner shot around the post and blocked another after half-time, while goalkeeper Savita Punia saved a penalty stroke from Zhang Yi.

Tete left the field with a finger injury in the third quarter, after which India found it difficult to move the ball out of their own half; she later returned with taped fingers. With just over three minutes remaining China removed their goalkeeper to play with an extra outfield player, but India maintained their 1-0 lead to the final whistle.

The gold is India’s first women’s hockey title at the Asian Games since 1982, ending a 44-year gap, and is the country’s second women’s hockey gold at the Games (1982 & 2026). The team had taken bronze at Hangzhou 2023 and missed qualification for Paris 2024.

The victory secures India a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.