Gold Glory: Odisha CM Hails Indian Hockey Stars as Youth Icons
CM Mohan Majhi felicitates Indian men's and women's hockey teams with cash rewards after their historic gold medal wins at the Asian Games 2026.
In a grand celebration of sporting excellence, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has lauded the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams as "true icons and role models" for the nation's youth. The commendation follows the spectacular performance of both squads at the Asian Games 2026, where both teams clinched gold medals and secured their direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
A Royal Welcome and Rewards
The celebration took place on Friday, where CM Majhi, accompanied by Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, officially felicitated the athletes. To recognize their grit and achievement on the continental stage, the Chief Minister awarded a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh to every player from both the men's and women's teams.
Addressing the media, CM Majhi expressed that the victory is a moment of immense national pride. He attributed the success to the blessings of Lord Jagannath and the unwavering support of 1.4 billion Indians, voicing his confidence that the players will carry this momentum forward to succeed at the Olympics.
Men's Team: Dominance Continued
The Indian men's hockey team continued its reign over Asia by securing back-to-back gold medals. In a commanding performance during the final, India defeated Malaysia with a decisive 5-1 scoreline.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh shared his delight over the double gold success for India, noting that direct qualification for the 2028 Olympics is a significant milestone. He emphasized that the recognition and encouragement provided by the government serve as a powerful motivator for all players.
Women's Team: Ending a 44-Year Drought
While the men continued their streak, the women's team achieved a historic breakthrough. For the first time since 1982, the Indian women's hockey team stood atop the Asian Games podium, ending a grueling 44-year wait for a gold medal.
The victory was sealed in a tense final against China, which India won 1-0. The match's only goal was scored by Lalremsiami in the 10th minute, a strike that etched the team's name in the history books.
Captain Salima Tete expressed her gratitude toward the Odisha government for its consistent support and the warm reception the team receives. She noted that such gestures inspire the athletes to keep performing at the highest level and expressed hope for continued backing as they prepare for the Olympics.
A Partnership for Progress
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey also highlighted the symbiotic relationship between the sport and the state. He thanked the Odisha government for the grand welcome and its long-standing commitment to Indian hockey, stating that the collaboration between Hockey India and the state government is vital for the sport's growth in the country.