Odisha CM Announces Massive Cash Rewards for Hockey Heroes
Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi announces ₹11 lakh for each player and ₹5.5 lakh for support staff after India's historic Asian Games hockey gold.
In a grand gesture to celebrate India's historic dominance on the hockey field, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced significant cash rewards for the Indian men's hockey team. This announcement follows the team's spectacular performance at the 2026 Asian Games, where they secured the gold medal with a commanding victory.
A Golden Reward for Champions
Recognizing the sweat and determination poured onto the turf, the Chief Minister has sanctioned a substantial financial prize for those who brought glory to the nation. According to an official statement from the CMO Odisha, the rewards are distributed as follows:
- Players: ₹11 lakh each
- Support Staff: ₹5.5 lakh each
The Chief Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to every member of the squad, noting that Odisha's deep-rooted connection with the sport makes this achievement even more special. The state remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering and supporting sporting excellence across the country.
India Dominates Malaysia in Final Thriller
The gold medal win was a masterclass in skill and persistence. India faced off against Malaysia in a high-stakes final on Saturday, ultimately clinching a 5-1 victory. This win is particularly historic as it marks the first time the Indian men's team has successfully defended their Asian Games gold, securing back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2026.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions from the opening whistle:
- Early Exchanges: Harmanpreet Singh opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a clinical dragflick from a penalty corner. However, Malaysia struck back quickly in the 14th minute through Shello Silverius to level the score at 1-1.
- Regaining Control: India regained the upper hand in the 23rd minute when Jugraj Singh converted another penalty corner, sending India into halftime with a 2-1 lead.
- The Breakthrough: In the 43rd minute, Hardik Singh converted a penalty stroke to make it 3-1, breaking Malaysia's defensive resolve.
- The Final Surge: India's pressure became relentless in the second half. Shilanand Lakra found the net in the 55th minute to make it 4-1, followed shortly by another Harmanpreet Singh masterclass in the 57th minute to seal the 5-1 win.
A Historic Double Gold for India
The men's triumph coincided with a monumental moment for Indian sports. With the women's team also securing gold after a 1-0 victory over China, India has achieved a rare "double gold" finish at the continental showpiece. This feat places hockey alongside kabaddi and cricket as the third Indian team sport to register such a prestigious podium finish at the Asian Games.
This victory also marks India's fifth men's hockey gold at the Asian Games, adding to the legacy of their previous triumphs in 1966, 1998, 2014, and 2022.