Aizawl, Oct 6: Mizoram accorded a hero’s welcome to Lalremsiami Hmar and Lalthantluangi after the two hockey players made history as the state’s first Asian Games medallists, returning home with gold from India’s victorious women’s hockey campaign in Japan.
The two players were greeted by supporters and well-wishers at Lengpui Airport on Monday before being felicitated by Chief Minister Lalduhoma at a special programme at the R. Dengthuama Indoor Stadium in Mualpui. The event was attended by public representatives, senior government officials, sports associations and members of the sporting community.
Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi were part of the Indian women’s hockey team that defeated China 1-0 in the final in Kakamigahara, Japan, to win the Asian Games gold medal and secure India’s qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Their achievement made them the first athletes from Mizoram to win an Asian Games medal, with the state’s maiden medal coming in gold.
In recognition of their achievement, the Mizoram government announced a cash award of Rs. 40 lakh for each player. The amount comprises Rs. 25 lakh under the Mizoram State Incentive Cash Award Scheme and Rs. 15 lakh under the Bana Kaih Scheme. The awards will be formally presented at the forthcoming Incentive Cash Award distribution programme along with other successful athletes from the state.
Addressing the felicitation programme, Chief Minister Lalduhoma said Mizoram’s Asian Games medal journey had begun with a gold and congratulated the two players on their historic achievement. He also highlighted India’s qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games following the team’s Asian Games triumph.
Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar described India’s women’s hockey victory as a landmark achievement, particularly after a 44-year gap since the country’s previous Asian Games women’s hockey gold. He said Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi had brought honour to both Mizoram and India.
The minister also stressed the importance of developing a strong grassroots sports system to sustain the state’s sporting ambitions. Under the Empowering Mizoram Sports (EMS) programme and the Bana Kaih – Handholding Scheme, the government is expanding grassroots coaching, talent identification and athlete development, with a long-term objective of producing world-class athletes for the 2036 Olympic Games.
Training is currently being conducted in eight sporting disciplines, including hockey, for boys and girls aged between eight and 15. More than 420 young players have received hockey training over the past six months, with the government planning to further strengthen the sport’s development and create pathways for emerging talent.
During an interaction session, Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi reflected on their Asian Games campaign and thanked God for their achievement. They said the strong chemistry within the Indian team helped build confidence and maintain a positive mindset ahead of the final.
The players also said the Asian Games triumph had strengthened their belief and confidence as they look ahead to the 2028 Olympic Games.
