Aizawl, October 4, 2026: The Mizoram government will award ₹25 lakh each to hockey players Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi for their contribution to India’s gold medal-winning campaign at the Asian Games.
The two Mizo players were part of the Indian women’s hockey team that defeated China 1–0 in the final at Kakamigahara, Japan, on October 2. Lalremsiami scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute. The match also marked her 200th appearance for India.
The achievement is historic for Mizoram. Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi are the first athletes from the state to win an Asian Games medal. Both began their sporting journeys in Mizoram and trained at the Thenzawl Hockey Academy, highlighting the role of grassroots institutions in developing international-level athletes.
The ₹25 lakh reward for each player will be provided under the Mizoram State Sports Incentive Scheme (MSSIS). Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said the government was proud of the players and their achievement.
“We are very happy that from a very tiny hockey academy at Thenzawl, Mizoram is able to produce two Asian Games Gold Medalists,” Hmar said. He added that the government was planning a grand reception for the players along with Chief Minister Lalduhoma.
A meeting chaired by the Sports Minister on October 3 discussed arrangements for welcoming the athletes. Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi are scheduled to arrive at Lengpui Airport on Monday, October 5.
A public reception will be held at the airport, followed by a felicitation programme at R. Dengthuama Hall, Mualpui Salem Veng, from 3 pm. The programme will be led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma.
The players are expected to leave Lengpui Airport at around 1:30 pm and travel through Hunthar, Treasury Square, Republic Veng and ITI Veng before reaching the venue. Residents have been encouraged to gather along the route to welcome the gold medallists.
India’s Asian Games triumph has also secured qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Mizoram has identified hockey as a priority discipline under its “Empowering Mizoram Sports” initiative, with a long-term goal of preparing athletes for the 2036 Olympics.
The success of the two players from Thenzawl has emerged as a major milestone for Mizoram’s sporting ambitions and a strong example of the potential of grassroots sports development.
