Aizawl, Oct 04: Mizoram will award ₹25 lakh each to Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi, the two Mizo players who were part of India’s Asian Games gold medal-winning women’s hockey team, recognising a historic achievement that has taken two athletes from Thenzawl’s hockey academy to the highest level of Asian hockey.
The two Mizo players were part of the Indian women’s hockey team that defeated China 1–0 in the final in Kakamigahara, Japan, on October 2 to win the Asian Games gold medal. Lalremsiami scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute, marking her 200th appearance for India.
For Mizoram, the achievement carries particular significance. Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi are the first athletes from Mizoram to win an Asian Games medal, and they have done so with a gold. Both players began their sporting journeys in Mizoram and trained at the Thenzawl Hockey Academy, highlighting the potential of grassroots sporting institutions to nurture athletes capable of succeeding on the international stage.
Recognising their historic achievement, the Government of Mizoram will award ₹25 lakh each to Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi under the Mizoram State Sports Incentive Scheme (MSSIS). Hon’ble Sports Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar said the Government was immensely proud of the two players and their 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 the achievement was particularly special because the two players had emerged from a small hockey academy in Thenzawl. “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 added.
A meeting chaired by the Sports Minister on the evening of October 3 discussed arrangements for welcoming the two players and celebrating their historic achievement. The Government is preparing a special reception to honour the athletes and celebrate their return home.
The two players are scheduled to arrive at Lengpui Airport on Monday, October 5, where a reception will be held. This will be followed by a felicitation programme at R. Dengthuama Hall, Mualpui Salem Veng, from 3:00 PM, led by Hon’ble Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma.
Members of the public have been invited to join the celebrations and welcome the two gold medallists. The players are expected to leave Lengpui Airport at around 1:30 PM and proceed towards Chanmari via Hunthar, Treasury Square, Republic Veng and ITI Veng, before reaching R. Dengthuama Hall. People along the route have been encouraged to come out and welcome the athletes.
The Asian Games triumph has also secured India’s qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, adding another significant milestone to the achievement of the two Mizo players. The Government of Mizoram has identified hockey as one of the priority disciplines under its Empowering Mizoram Sports initiative, with a long-term vision that includes preparing athletes for the 2036 Olympics.
The remarkable journey of Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi, from the hockey fields of Thenzawl to an Asian Games gold medal, stands as an inspiring example of how determination, grassroots sporting opportunities and sustained support can create athletes capable of representing the country at the highest level.
