Dilip Tirkey Announces Cash Prize for Men's Hockey Gold
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey announces Rs 11 lakh prize for the men's team after their historic Asian Games gold medal win.
In a moment of immense pride for Indian sports, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey has announced a significant cash reward for the men's hockey team following their historic gold medal triumph at the 2026 Asian Games. The announcement comes after the Indian men's squad delivered a masterclass performance to defend their continental title.
A Historic Double Gold for India
The 2026 Asian Games will be etched in history as the edition where Indian hockey reached unprecedented heights. For the first time ever, both the Indian men's and women's hockey teams secured gold medals in the same edition of the games. This feat makes hockey only the third Indian team sport—following cricket and kabaddi—to achieve a double-gold podium finish at the continental event.
The men's team secured their gold with a commanding 5-1 victory over Malaysia in the final on Saturday. This victory is particularly special as it marks the first time the Indian men's team has successfully defended their Asian Games gold medal, securing back-to-back titles after their win in 2022.
Rewarding the Champions
Recognizing the sweat and toil of the athletes, Dilip Tirkey confirmed the following rewards:
- Men's Hockey Team: Rs 11 lakh cash prize.
- Support Staff: Rs 5.5 lakh cash prize.
Speaking to the media, Tirkey expressed his delight at the consistency of the team. "Team India has won back-to-back Asian Games gold medals. In the last Asian Games, we defeated Japan 5–1, and today, we beat Malaysia 5-1 in the final. Team India’s performance was excellent," he stated.
Path to the LA Olympics 2028
Beyond the medals and the cash prizes, the victory carries massive implications for the future of the sport. By clinching the gold, the Indian men's hockey team has officially qualified directly for the LA Olympics 2028. This achievement fulfills one of the primary targets set by the federation for this cycle.
Tirkey also took a moment to praise the women's team, noting that their performance in their final against China was "perfect hockey." He extended his gratitude to the coaching staff, the players, and the support systems that made this success possible.
The Role of Government Support
The President also highlighted the crucial role played by state and central authorities in the development of the sport. He specifically thanked the Odisha government for its unwavering support over the last few years, noting that such backing is essential for developing players and the sport at large. He also acknowledged the continued assistance from the central government in bolstering Indian hockey's journey on the global stage.
With this win, India's tally at the Asian Games stands at 85 medals, comprising 21 gold, 27 silver, and 37 bronze, further cementing the nation's growing dominance in continental sports.