Mizoram Chief Minister Honours Asian Games 2026 Gold Medalists

Mizoram Chief Minister Honours Asian Games 2026 Gold Medalists

Dated Aizawl, October 5, 2026: A felicitation and reception ceremony for Asian Games 2026 hockey gold medalists, Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi, was held yesterday at the R. Dengthuama Indoor Stadium in Mualpui, where Chief Minister Lalduhoma presented them with honors.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Lalduhoma described Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi as a source of immense pride for becoming the first medalists from Mizoram at the Asian Games, expressing delight that Mizoram’s journey at the Games commenced with a gold medal. He also congratulated them on securing qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.

To honor their historic milestone, the Chief Minister announced that each player will receive Rs 25,00,000 (Rs 25 lakh) under the Mizoram State Incentive Cash Award Scheme, along with an additional Rs 15,00,000 (Rs 15 lakh) each from the Bana Kaih (Handholding) Scheme, bringing the total cash reward to Rs 40 lakh each from the Government of Mizoram. He added that these awards will be formally presented alongside other successful Mizo athletes during the regular Incentive Cash Award distribution ceremony.

The Chief Minister noted that both honorees are products of the Thenzawl Women Hockey Academy, demonstrating that Mizo youth possess great potential in hockey when provided with proper guidance and infrastructure. Since hockey is a sport where India excels globally, it has been selected as a priority discipline under the Bana Kaih Scheme’s "Empowering Mizoram Sports" initiative. Commending Lalremsiami for her selection for the prestigious Arjuna Award and for helping India qualify for the upcoming Olympic Games, the Chief Minister announced plans to name a hockey ground in her honor, with the Kolasib Diakkawn GSA playground currently being designated for this purpose.

Highlighting the government's initiatives in sports development, the Chief Minister stated that under the leadership of Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has commenced relaying the synthetic hockey turf at the Thenzawl Women Hockey Academy at a cost of Rs 6 crore. Additionally, a 30-bed hostel is currently under construction to accommodate academy trainees. He also highlighted that administrative approval of Rs 9.886 crore has been secured from the Ministry of Minority Affairs to construct a hockey ground in Hnahthial. Emphasizing that health and fitness remain core government priorities, the Chief Minister noted that the Physical Efficiency Test was given equal weightage to the written examination in the recent recruitment of Excise Constables. He reaffirmed that physical fitness will continue to be prioritized in upcoming police constable recruitments as a vital tool to build a fitter and healthier Mizoram, urging the youth to value health and actively engage in sports.

Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar also addressed the gathering, stating that it was a historic achievement for the Indian women's hockey team to be crowned Asian Games champions after 44 years. Highlighting that Lalremsiami scored the winning goal, he remarked that she brought great honor not only to Mizoram but to the entire country. The Minister noted that "Empowering Mizoram Sports" (EMS), conceived during the Mizoram Sports Conclave 2024, is working in tandem with the Bana Kaih (Handholding) Scheme to advance sports and provide athlete training. Through EMS, dedicated hockey centers are being established, and every effort is being made to elevate the discipline. He expressed pride in Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi and extended his best wishes for their future endeavors.

The felicitation ceremony was chaired by K. Lalthawmmawia, Commissioner & Secretary, Sports & Youth Services, and featured an address by K. Lalthlengliana, President of Hockey Mizoram. The event was attended by Lok Sabha MP Richard Vanlalhmangaiha, Rajya Sabha MP K. Laltluangkima, Ministers of State, MLAs, government officials, and representatives from various NGOs and sports associations.
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Source & Wire Service: Prasar Bharati SHABD (DD / Akashvani News)