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

Mizoram has raised the cash reward for Asian Games gold medallists Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi to Rs 40 lakh each following their role in India’s women’s hockey triumph in Japan.

The two players arrived in Aizawl on Monday and were given a warm welcome after helping India defeat China in the Asian Games final on October 2. Chief Minister Lalduhoma had earlier announced a reward of Rs 25 lakh each for the hockey players.

At a felicitation ceremony at the R Dengthuama Indoor Stadium, Lalduhoma said each player would receive Rs 25 lakh under the Mizoram State Incentive Cash Award scheme. An additional Rs 15 lakh will be provided under the state’s Bana Kaih initiative, taking the total reward to Rs 40 lakh per player.

The Chief Minister said the duo had made history by becoming the first athletes from Mizoram to win Asian Games medals. He also pointed out that the state’s first medal at the continental competition was a gold.

Lalduhoma congratulated both players for their contribution to India’s qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games. He said hockey was among the disciplines being promoted through the ‘Empowering Mizoram Sports’ programme under Bana Kaih, aimed at strengthening sporting talent and infrastructure in the state.

He also highlighted Lalremsiami’s individual achievements, including her selection for the Arjuna Award and her role in India’s Olympic qualification campaign.

In another recognition for the hockey star, the Mizoram government plans to name a hockey ground after Lalremsiami. The Kolasib Diakkawn GSA playground has been identified for the purpose. Lalremsiami scored the winning goal in India’s 1-0 victory over China in the Asian Games final.

The state government is also expanding hockey facilities. The Sports Authority of India is developing a hockey turf at the Thenzawl Women Hockey Academy, where both Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi trained during their formative years. The project is estimated to cost Rs 6 crore.

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

The initiatives are part of Mizoram’s broader efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and create better training opportunities for the next generation of athletes.