Aizawl, Oct 06: Mizoram today celebrated the homecoming of Lalremsiami Hmar and Lalthantluangi, the State’s first-ever Asian Games medallists, with the two gold-winning hockey players receiving a warm reception at Lengpui Airport before being felicitated by Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma at a special programme at R. Dengthuama Indoor Stadium, Mualpui.
The felicitation programme brought together public representatives, senior government officials, sports associations and members of the sporting community to celebrate the historic achievement of the two athletes, who returned home as members of India’s Asian Games gold medal-winning women’s hockey team.
In recognition of their achievement, the State Government announced that each player will receive ₹40 lakh, ₹25 lakh under the Mizoram State Incentive Cash Award Scheme and ₹15 lakh under the Bana Kaih Scheme. The awards will be formally presented at the Incentive Cash Award distribution programme along with other successful Mizo athletes.
Notably, Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi are the first athletes from Mizoram to win an Asian Games medal, and the State’s first medal is gold. Their historic achievement came as India defeated China 1–0 in the women’s hockey final in Kakamigahara, Japan.
Addressing the felicitation programme, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma said it was a matter of great pride that Mizoram had begun its Asian Games medal journey with a gold. He congratulated the two players on their historic achievement and on India’s qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.
The Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma said the ₹40 lakh award for each player was in recognition of their contribution and achievement. The awards will be presented alongside other successful Mizo athletes at the forthcoming Incentive Cash Award distribution programme.
Sports Minister Shri Lalnghinglova Hmar said the Indian women’s hockey team’s Asian Games triumph after a 44-year gap was a landmark achievement, adding that Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi had brought great honour to Mizoram as well as India.
Sports Minister Shri Lalnghinglova Hmar said their success also highlighted the importance of building a strong grassroots sports pipeline. Under Empowering Mizoram Sports (EMS) and the Bana Kaih – Handholding Scheme, the State is expanding grassroots coaching, talent identification and athlete development, with a long-term vision of producing world-class athletes for the 2036 Olympic Games.
The Sports Minister said training is currently being conducted in eight sporting disciplines, including hockey, for boys and girls aged 8–15, with more than 420 young players trained in hockey over the past six months. He said efforts would continue to strengthen hockey development and create pathways for young talent across Mizoram.
During an interaction session at the programme, Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi thanked God for their achievement and reflected on their Asian Games experience. They said the strong chemistry within the Indian team gave them confidence and helped create a positive mindset going into the final. The players said the Asian Games victory had strengthened their hope and confidence ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.
The two athletes had earlier received a warm welcome at Lengpui Airport, where they arrived on Monday following their Asian Games triumph. Their return was marked by celebrations as people gathered to welcome the State’s first Asian Games medallists.
The felicitation programme was chaired by Shri K. Lalthawmmawia, Commissioner & Secretary, Sports & Youth Services. Shri Richard Vanlalhmangaiha, Lok Sabha MP; Shri K. Laltluangkima, Rajya Sabha MP; Ministers of State; MLAs; senior government officials; representatives of NGOs; and representatives of various sports associations were present.
