Asian Games 2023: Hockey India announces cash prize for Indian men's hockey team after gold medal triumph

India beat Japan and qualified for the Paris Olympics at the Continental meet.  

Hockey India is set to reward each member of Indian men's hockey team with Rs 5 lakhs for their iconic gold medal triumph over Japan on Friday, October 6, at the ongoing Asian Games 2023 at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Stadium in Hangzhou, China. Not just the players, but the support staff for the hockey squad will also be receiving Rs 2.5 lakh each. 

The Indian men's hockey team put up a valiant effort against the defending Asian Games champion Japan, prevailing 5-1 to win the gold medal at the 19th edition - a triumph after nine years. With this historical win, India also confirmed its qualification for the Paris Olympics in 2024. Only winners of the competition could reserve their place for Paris and Indians made sure that the job was done. 

In the 25th minute, Manpreet Singh broke the deadlock with a powerful reverse flick. Harmanpreet added a goal two minutes into the third quarter to give India a 2-0 lead. Four minutes later, Amit Rohidas scored from a penalty corner to make it 3-0. Abhishek added a fourth goal to his tally early in the fourth and final quarter, and Harmanpreet added a second goal with one second remaining to cap off the effort.

Tanaka Seren (51) scored the lone goal for hapless Japan, which wasn't enough to cover up India's attack. The Indians won their first gold medal in the Asian Games since the 2014 Incheon competition, having to settle for a bronze at the previous event in Indonesia.

India had won two further gold medals in Bangkok, in 1966 and 1998, respectively. With four gold medals, India has tied South Korea for the second place in the men's hockey medal standings at the quadrennial extravaganza. The most successful men's team at the Asian Games is Pakistan, who have taken home nine gold medals.