Mizoram amps up cash prize for Asian Games heroes Lalremsiami, Lalthantluangi
Mizoram has honoured Asian Games gold medallists Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi with a cash prize of Rs.40 lakh each for their contribution to India’s women’s hockey triumph in Japan. The two players returned to Aizawl on Monday, where they received a warm welcome after helping the Indian team secure the gold medal on October 2. Initially, Chief Minister Lalduhoma had announced a cash reward of Rs. 25 lakh for the female hockey stars.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma felicitated the two players at a ceremony at the R Dengthuama Indoor Stadium, announcing that each would get Rs.25 lakh through the Mizoram State Incentive Cash Award scheme and another Rs.15 lakh under the state’s flagship Bana Kaih initiative.
Lalduhoma said Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi had made history by becoming the first athletes from Mizoram to win Asian Games medals. He said it was particularly significant that the state’s medal tally at the continental event had begun with a gold.
The Chief Minister also congratulated the duo on securing qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games. Lalduhoma said hockey was among the sports covered under the ‘Empowering Mizoram Sports’ programme of the Bana Kaih scheme, citing the country’s strong standing in the discipline at the international level.
He also praised Lalremsiami for her achievements, including being named for the prestigious Arjuna Award and playing a key role in helping India qualify for the upcoming Olympic Games.
In addition to this, Lalduhoma said that the Kolasib Diakkawn GSA playground is set to be named after Lalremsiami, who scored the winning goal for India in their Asian Games final against China.
"In recognition of her outstanding achievements, the government planned to name a hockey ground after her, and the Kolasib Diakkawn GSA playground is being identified for the purpose," he said.
Lalduhoma also pointed to the government’s ongoing investments in hockey infrastructure. He said the Sports Authority of India was developing a hockey turf at the Thenzawl Women Hockey Academy, where Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi had trained during their early days, at an estimated cost of Rs.6 crore.
The academy is also set to get a 30-bed hostel, while the Ministry of Minority Affairs has sanctioned Rs.9.8 crore for a new hockey ground in Hnahthial, he added.- Ends
