Mizoram awards Rs.40 lakh each to Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi after Asian Games gold

Mizoram honoured Asian Games gold medallists Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi with Rs.40 lakh each after the pair returned to Aizawl on Monday following India’s women’s hockey gold in Japan on October 2. The players received a warm welcome on their return to the state.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma had initially announced a cash reward of Rs. 25 lakh for the two players. He felicitated Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi at a ceremony at the R Dengthuama Indoor Stadium, outlining the state’s planned financial recognition.

At the ceremony Lalduhoma said the two had made history by becoming the first athletes from Mizoram to win Asian Games medals and noted that it was particularly significant that the state’s medal tally at the continental event had begun with a gold. He also congratulated the duo on securing qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Lalduhoma praised Lalremsiami for her achievements, including being named for the prestigious Arjuna Award and playing a key role in helping India qualify for the upcoming Olympic Games. He noted that Lalremsiami scored the winning goal for India in their Asian Games final against China and said the government planned to name a hockey ground after her: "In recognition of her outstanding achievements, the government planned to name a hockey ground after her, and the Kolasib Diakkawn GSA playground is being identified for the purpose," he said.

The chief minister said hockey was among the sports covered under the ‘Empowering Mizoram Sports’ programme of the Bana Kaih scheme, citing the country’s strong standing in the discipline at the international level. He linked the state incentives to that programme when announcing the additional support for the players.

Lalduhoma detailed ongoing and planned investments in hockey infrastructure, saying the Sports Authority of India was developing a hockey turf at the Thenzawl Women Hockey Academy at an estimated cost of Rs.6 crore. He added the academy—where Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi had trained during their early days—is set to receive a 30-bed hostel, and the Ministry of Minority Affairs has sanctioned Rs.9.8 crore for a new hockey ground in Hnahthial.

Under the arrangements announced by Lalduhoma, each player will receive Rs.25 lakh through the Mizoram State Incentive Cash Award scheme and another Rs.15 lakh under the state’s Bana Kaih initiative, bringing the total cash prize to Rs.40 lakh apiece.