Double Gold Glory: Odisha CM Rewards Hockey Heroes with Rs 11 Lakh Each
CM Mohan Charan Majhi rewards Indian men's and women's hockey teams for their historic double gold at the 2026 Asian Games.
In a grand celebration of sporting excellence, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi felicitated the Indian men's and women's hockey teams on Friday for their historic gold-medal triumphs at the 2026 Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. To honor their exceptional achievements, the Chief Minister awarded a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh to every player from both squads.
A Historic Double Gold Triumph
The 2026 Asian Games marked a watershed moment for Indian hockey. For the first time in the history of the continental showpiece, both the men's and women's teams secured gold medals simultaneously.
The Indian men's team continued their dominance in Asia, clinching back-to-back gold medals after a commanding 5-1 victory over Malaysia in the final match. Not to be outdone, the women's team displayed grit and precision, defeating China 1-0 to claim the top spot on the podium.
Road to Los Angeles 2028
Beyond the medals and the prestige, these victories have significant implications for the future. By winning gold at the Asian Games, both the men's and women's teams have officially sealed their direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Odisha's Unwavering Support for Hockey
The felicitation ceremony, attended by Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, served as a platform for Chief Minister Majhi to reiterate Odisha's deep-rooted commitment to the sport. He emphasized that the state's contribution to sports has grown significantly over the years.
Highlighting Odisha's role as the official sponsor for Indian hockey teams across all levels—from the junior to the senior categories—the Chief Minister offered a powerful assurance to the athletes and the governing body.
"I am immensely proud that Odisha is the official sponsor of the Indian hockey teams across all categories, from junior to senior... I want to assure Hockey India and every player that, whether the team tastes success or faces disappointment, Odisha will always stand firmly by its side," Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated.