Shillong, Oct 4: Mizoram will award Rs 25 lakh each to Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi, the two Mizo players who were part of India’s Asian Games gold medal-winning women’s hockey team, recognising a historic achievement that has taken two athletes from Thenzawl’s hockey academy to the highest level of Asian hockey.
The two Mizo players were part of the Indian women’s hockey team that defeated China 1–0 in the final in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Friday to win the gold. Lalremsiami scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute, marking her 200th appearance for India.
For Mizoram, the achievement carries particular significance, a press release stated today. Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi are the first athletes from Mizoram to win an Asian Games medal and they have done so with a gold. Both players began their sporting journeys in Mizoram and trained at the Thenzawl Hockey Academy.
Recognising their historic achievement, the Mizoram government will reward them under the under the Mizoram State Sports Incentive Scheme. Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said the government was immensely proud of the two players and their achievement.
He said the achievement was particularly special because the two had emerged from a small hockey academy in Thenzawl. “We are very happy that from a very tiny hockey academy at Thenzawl, Mizoram is able to produce two Asian Games Gold Medalists, and we are going to plan a very grand reception with the Chief Minister,” he added.
The two players are scheduled to arrive at Lengpui Airport on Monday.
The Asian Games triumph has also secured India’s qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, adding another significant milestone to the achievement of the two Mizo players. The Mizoram government has identified hockey as one of the priority disciplines under its Empowering Mizoram Sports initiative, with a long-term vision that includes preparing athletes for the 2036 Olympics.
(Photo contributed)
