Asian Games: Mizoram increases prize money for hockey heroes Lalremsiami, Lalthantluangi

Mizoram honored Asian Games gold medalists Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi with a cash prize of Rs 40 crore each for their contribution to India’s hockey triumph in Japan. The two players returned to Aizawl on Monday to a warm welcome after helping the Indian team secure the gold medal on October 2. Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced a cash reward of Rs. 25 million for women’s hockey stars.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma felicitated the two players at a ceremony at the R Dengthuama Indoor Stadium and announced that each of them will get Rs 25 crore through the Mizoram State Incentive Prize Scheme and another Rs 15 crore under the state’s Bana Kaih initiative.

Lalduhoma said Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi have made history by becoming the first athletes from Mizoram to win Asian Games medals. He said it was particularly significant that the state’s medal haul at the continental event started with gold.

The Chief Minister also congratulated the pair for securing qualification for the 2028 Olympics. Lalduhoma said hockey was among the sports covered under the ‘Empowering Mizoram Sports’ program under the Bana Kaih scheme, citing the country’s strong position in the discipline at the international level.

He also praised Lalremsiami for her achievements, including being nominated for the prestigious Arjuna Award and playing a key role in helping India qualify for the upcoming Olympics.

Lalduhoma said the Kolasib Diakkawn GSA ground will be named after Lalremsiami, who scored India’s winning goal in the Asian Games final against China.

“In recognition of her extraordinary achievements, the government has planned to name a hockey ground after her and the Kolasib Diakkawn GSA ground is earmarked for this purpose,” he said.

Lalduhoma also pointed to the government’s continued investment in hockey infrastructure. He said the Sports Authority of India is developing a hockey turf at Thenzawl Women’s Hockey Academy, where Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi trained during their early days, at an estimated cost of Rs 6 crore.

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

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