Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a cash award of Rs 11 lakh each for the players of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team following their historic gold medal triumph at the 2026 Asian Games.
The Chief Minister also announced Rs 5.5 lakh each for the team’s support staff in recognition of their contribution to India’s memorable victory.
The announcement was made after India defeated defending champions China 1-0 in the women’s hockey final at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, ending a 44-year wait for the continental title.
Congratulating the team, Majhi hailed the players for their determination and commitment, saying their achievement had brought immense pride to the nation.
“Heartiest congratulations to the Indian Women’s Hockey Team on winning the Gold Medal at the Asian Games 2026,” the Chief Minister said in a social media post. He noted that the victory marked India’s second Asian Games gold medal in women’s hockey after the team’s historic triumph in 1982.
“This is more than a victory. It is a celebration of the strength, courage and determination of Nari Shakti shining on the biggest stage. A proud and historic moment for Indian Hockey. The nation celebrates our champions,” Majhi said.
The Chief Minister’s Office, Odisha, said the state government remained committed to supporting Indian hockey and nurturing sporting excellence. In the final, Lalremsiami scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute with a powerful reverse-hit finish. India withstood sustained pressure from China to secure the gold medal.
The triumph also earned India direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The gold ended India’s long wait for the Asian Games women’s hockey title. The team had previously won gold only once, in 1982 in New Delhi, when women’s hockey made its Asian Games debut. India subsequently reached the finals in 1998 and 2018 but had to settle for silver on both occasions.
The 2026 triumph therefore marks a significant milestone for Indian women’s hockey, with the team combining attacking quality and defensive resilience to reclaim the continental crown.