Asian Games: Mizoram Raises Cash Reward to ₹40 Lakh Each for Hockey Heroes Lalremsiami, Lalthantluangi

Mizoram has increased its cash reward for Asian Games gold medallists Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi to Rs 40 lakh each, honouring their contribution to India’s women’s hockey triumph in Japan.

The two players returned to Aizawl on Monday and received a warm welcome after helping India clinch the women’s hockey gold medal on October 2. Chief Minister Lalduhoma had initially announced a reward of Rs 25 lakh each for the two players.

At a felicitation ceremony held at the R Dengthuama Indoor Stadium, Lalduhoma announced that each player would receive Rs 25 lakh under the Mizoram State Incentive Cash Award scheme, along with an additional Rs 15 lakh under the state’s flagship Bana Kaih initiative.

The Chief Minister said Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi had created history by becoming the first athletes from Mizoram to win medals at the Asian Games. He noted that the state’s medal journey at the continental event had begun with a gold.

Lalduhoma also congratulated the duo for helping India qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games. He said hockey was among the sports being promoted under the ‘Empowering Mizoram Sports’ programme through the Bana Kaih scheme, highlighting India’s strong international record in the sport.

He particularly praised Lalremsiami for her achievements, including her selection for the prestigious Arjuna Award and her contribution to India’s qualification for the upcoming Olympics.

The government will also name a hockey ground in Mizoram after Lalremsiami, who scored the decisive goal in India’s Asian Games final against China. Lalduhoma said the Kolasib Diakkawn GSA playground had been identified for the honour in recognition of her achievements.

The Chief Minister further highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen hockey infrastructure in the state. The Sports Authority of India is developing a hockey turf at the Thenzawl Women Hockey Academy, where both players trained in their early years, at an estimated cost of Rs 6 crore.

The academy is also set to receive a 30-bed hostel, while the Ministry of Minority Affairs has sanctioned Rs 9.8 crore for a new hockey ground in Hnahthial.

The government said these initiatives were aimed at supporting young athletes and creating better facilities for hockey players across Mizoram.