Odisha CM Majhi Announces Cash Reward for Asian Games Gold-Winning Hockey Team
Each member of the team’s support staff will receive Rs 5.5 lakh, the Chief Minister announced
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday announced cash rewards of Rs 11 lakh each for members of the Indian women’s hockey team following their historic gold-medal triumph at the Asian Games in Japan.
Each member of the team’s support staff will receive Rs 5.5 lakh, the Chief Minister announced while congratulating the players and officials on their remarkable achievement.
India defeated defending champions China 1-0 in the women’s hockey final to end a 44-year wait for Asian Games gold. The victory also earned the Indian team a direct qualification berth for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Majhi congratulated the team on its outstanding performance and praised the players for their determination, dedication and commitment throughout the tournament.
“Odisha government stands firmly with Indian hockey and remains committed to supporting and nurturing sporting excellence,” the Chief Minister’s Office said in a post announcing the reward.
The Indian team produced a disciplined performance in the final against China, with Lalremsiami scoring the decisive goal in the 10th minute. India then held off sustained Chinese pressure to secure the title.
The triumph marked India’s second Asian Games women’s hockey gold and its first since 1982. It also ended a long wait for a major continental title in the event and secured India’s place at the next Olympics without the need to go through a qualification tournament.
The reward announced by the Odisha Chief Minister comes as Indian hockey celebrates one of its significant recent milestones. Hockey India has also announced Rs 11 lakh each for the players and Rs 5.5 lakh each for the support staff following the Asian Games triumph.
The historic victory has renewed attention on women’s hockey in India, with the team combining attacking initiative with a resilient defensive display against one of Asia’s strongest sides.
For Odisha, which has positioned itself as a major supporter of Indian hockey and has hosted several international hockey events, the achievement carries particular significance.
Majhi said the government would continue to encourage sporting excellence and support athletes representing the country on the international stage.