Aizawl, Oct 4: Mizoram will honour Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi with cash awards of ₹25 lakh each and a public reception after the two players helped India win the Asian Games women’s hockey gold, bringing their journey from Thenzawl’s hockey academy to the continental podium.
India defeated China 1–0 in the final in Kakamigahara, Japan, on October 2. Lalremsiami scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute on her 200th international appearance. The victory also secured India’s qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said the awards would be given under the Mizoram State Sports Incentive Scheme in recognition of the players’ achievement.
“The Government of Mizoram is very happy to learn that two of our girls, Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi were among the gold medal winners in Asian Games Women’s Hockey. The Government under its Mizoram State Sports Incentive Scheme (MSSIS) will give ₹25 lakh to each of the players,” he said.
Hmar highlighted the role of the Thenzawl Hockey Academy, where both players trained, describing their success as a proud moment for the state.
“We are very happy that from a very tiny hockey academy at Thenzawl, Mizoram is able to produce two Asian Games Gold Medalists, and we are going to plan a very grand reception with the Hon’ble Chief Minister,” he said.
A meeting chaired by Hmar on October 3 discussed arrangements for welcoming the players, who are scheduled to arrive at Lengpui Airport on Monday, October 5.
An airport reception will be followed by a felicitation programme at R. Dengthuama Hall in Mualpui Salem Veng at 3 p.m., led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma.
According to the announced arrangements, the players are expected to leave the airport around 1:30 p.m. Their welcome procession will proceed towards Chanmari via Hunthar, Treasury Square, Republic Veng and ITI Veng before reaching the venue. Residents have been invited to greet the athletes along the route and attend the celebrations.
The state government has identified hockey as a priority discipline under its Empowering Mizoram Sports initiative, with a long-term focus on developing athletes for international competition, including the 2036 Olympics.
For the Thenzawl academy, the two players’ success marks a significant milestone. As Mizoram prepares to welcome them home, India’s Olympic qualification gives their Asian Games triumph a further significance: a place for the national team on the road to Los Angeles in 2028.
