Asian Games 2026: India women's hockey team to receive cash prize after ending 44-year wait for gold
(Courtesy : Screenshot/SonyLiv)
India had previously finished runners-up at the Asian Games in 1998 and 2018
Hockey India have announced a cash reward of Rs 11 lakh for every player in its women’s team after they won Asian Games 2026 gold on Friday, October 2. Each support staff member will receive Rs 5.5 lakh.
The amount was raised after the initial announcement. President Dilip Tirkey initially named Rs 10 lakh per player and Rs 5 lakh per support staff member. Secretary general Bhola Nath Singh then announced the higher figures.
In a video message, Tirkey confirmed the increase was deliberate. He said the federation added Rs 1 lakh after watching the team’s performance, and he thanked the Odisha government and the Sports Ministry for their support.
The match behind the money
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India beat China 1-0 in the final at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium. China were the defending champions, Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallists and the world No. 4 side.
The only goal came in the 10th minute. Captain Salima Tete won the ball just outside the circle and passed to Lalremsiami, who hit a reverse shot into the roof of the net. It came in Lalremsiami’s 200th international match.
RELATED: Asian Games 2026: India beat China to win first women’s hockey gold in 44 years, book LA28 berth
China held most of the possession, but India’s defence kept them out. Navneet Kaur deflected one penalty corner shot around the post and blocked another after half-time. Goalkeeper Savita Punia then saved a penalty stroke from Zhang Yi.
Tete left the field with a finger injury in the third quarter, and India struggled to move the ball out of their own half without her. She later returned with taped fingers.
With just over three minutes left, China took off their goalkeeper to play with an extra outfield player, but India held on.
The gold is India’s first in women’s hockey at the Asian Games since 1982, a gap of 44 years. It also gives India a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The team had won bronze at Hangzhou 2023 and missed the Paris 2024 Olympics.
How much cash reward has Hockey India announced for the women’s team?
Rs 11 lakh for each player and Rs 5.5 lakh for each support staff member. It was first announced as Rs 10 lakh and Rs 5 lakh, then raised.
Why did the Indian women’s hockey team get the reward?
India beat China 1-0 in the Asian Games 2026 final on October 2, ending a 44-year wait for gold and securing a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Who scored the winning goal in the India vs China women’s hockey final at Asian Games 2026?
Lalremsiami scored in the 10th minute with a reverse shot, in her 200th international match. India won 1-0 at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium.
How many gold medals has Indian women’s hockey team won at the Asian Games?
Following their latest triumph, India have now won two gold medals (1982 & 2026) at the Asian Games.
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