Daijiworld Media Network - Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Oct 3: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday announced a cash reward of Rs 11 lakh each for the players of the Indian women's hockey team in recognition of their historic gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games.

Each member of the team's support staff will receive Rs 5.5 lakh, the Chief Minister's Office said in a social media post.

India ended a 44-year wait for the Asian Games women's hockey gold after defeating defending champions and Olympic silver medallists China 1-0 in the final on Friday. The victory also secured India's qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a cash reward of Rs 11 lakh each for the players and Rs 5.5 lakh each for the support staff of the Indian women's hockey team in recognition of their historic gold medal at the Asian Games 2026,” the CMO said.

The Chief Minister congratulated the team for its performance, determination and commitment, saying its achievement had brought immense pride to the nation.

The Odisha government also reiterated its commitment to supporting Indian hockey and nurturing sporting excellence.

Odisha Sports Department Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia said the reward announced by the Chief Minister was in addition to the cash prize announced by Hockey India.

The Indian women's hockey team had last won the Asian Games gold in 1982.

Odisha has been the official sponsor of India's senior and junior men's and women's hockey teams since 2018. The state government has extended its sponsorship commitment until 2036 and was the first Indian state to sponsor the national hockey teams.