Mizoram awards Rs 25 lakh each to Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi after Asian Games hockey gold
The Mizoram government on Friday announced a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh each for Indian women's hockey players Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi for their contribution to the team's gold-medal campaign at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
India defeated defending champions China 1-0 in the final to end a 44-year wait for the Asian Games women's hockey title, last won in 1982; Lalremsiami scored the only goal of the match and both Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi were members of the squad that held its nerve to secure the victory.
Hockey India also announced a financial reward following the triumph: each player will receive Rs 11 lakh and every member of the support staff will be given Rs 5.5 lakh.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma congratulated the Indian team on the victory and particularly praised Arjuna Awardee Lalremsiami for her contribution to the success.
Several political leaders across India reacted to the result. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath wrote on X: "The daughters of India have created history by bringing the Asian Games crown home! Congratulations to the Indian Women's Hockey Team on winning the Gold Medal at the Asian Games 2026, ending a 44-year wait for the title," and added, "Our daughters have once again shown the world the strength, determination and excellence of Indian women in sport. The Gold also earns India a direct berth at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Jai Hind!"
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang posted on X: "Heartiest congratulations to the entire team for bringing glory to the nation." Tamang described the 1-0 victory over China as a moment of immense pride, saying, "Their determination, teamwork, and fighting spirit have once again showcased the strength of Indian women in sports," and adding that the triumph celebrated the players' hard work, resilience and spirit.
The gold-medal win also secured India an automatic qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.