‘I know he’s watching’: Lalremsiami’s golden seal goal, emotional tribute to late father and Mizo hero’s homecoming

KOLKATA: Lalremsiami Hmarzote’s thoughts turned to her late father as thousands lined the streets of Mizoram to celebrate India’s historic gold medal in women’s hockey at the Asian Games.“I know he would be proud of me and he is looking down on me,” the striker told TOI as she reflected on a campaign in which she scored seven goals, including the only strike in the final against China as India ended a 44-year wait for Asian Games gold and sealed qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics.The reception at home was overwhelming for the Mizo star as she returned to a hero’s welcome after playing a key role in India’s triumphant run.“The whole of Mizoram celebrated with us. The Chief Minister, Sports Minister and so many people came to welcome us. When we reached the airport, there was a grand reception and we all felt very special,” said Lalremsiami.Wandering around her hometown of Kolasib, 85 km north of the state capital Aizawl, lined with cheering crowds and children eager to catch a glimpse of their sports hero, left a deep impression on her. “Many children and young people came to meet me and told me that they were inspired by what we had achieved. That made me very happy because if our success can motivate someone to do sport, then it means a lot,” she said.While the celebrations were memorable, the Asian Games final remains the defining moment of her career, which began with her debut for India in 2017. The occasion had added significance as it was her 200th international match and she admitted the pre-match pressure was unlike anything she had experienced.“I was extremely nervous. It was my 200th match, it was the final and we knew that if we won, we would make history after 44 years and qualify for the Olympics in LA,” she said.“Before the match, I prayed and asked God to help me. Once the game started, I was free to play. To score a goal and help my team and my country win the gold medal was just amazing. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”Although many people have supported her journey, much of her motivation, she says, comes from her father, who supported her hockey dreams from the very beginning before passing away in 2019.“My father played a very important role in my career and in my life. He was the one who inspired and supported me when I was young and just starting hockey. He always believed in me and stood by me every step of the way,” she said. “He is no longer with us, but the things he told me about are still alive in me. I know he would be proud of me today.”Lalremsiami also praised the unity of the team, coach Sjoerd Marijne and the support staff for this year’s remarkable run that included World Cup qualification, Nations Cup success, fifth place at the World Championships and Asian Games gold.“We’ve been through a lot of struggles over the years. Our unity as a group has been one of our greatest strengths. Success isn’t just about the players on the field. It’s about the whole team working together,” she said.The 26-year-old was also part of the Indian side that recorded the country’s best Women’s World Cup finish in 52 years. However, attention has already shifted to the Los Angeles Olympics, which are now less than two years away, and the striker believes that India must continue to improve despite becoming the Asian champions.“Now we have one dream. We want to succeed at the World Cup and win an Olympic medal. We know it will be very challenging, but we are ready for it,” she said.While Lalremsiami dreams of standing on the podium at the Olympics, she hopes more Mizoram girls will take up the sport that gave her everything. Although problems persist, she urged young people not to let these restrictions hold them back.“My message to the young girls is simple: don’t stop dreaming and believe in yourself. There is a lot of talent in Mizoram. I hope that in the future we will get more fields, more academies and better facilities so that more children get the opportunity to play hockey and follow their dreams.”