Odisha announces ₹11 lakh each for women’s hockey team after Asian Games gold
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday, October 3, 2026, announced cash rewards of ₹11 lakh each for the players of the Indian women’s hockey team following their gold medal triumph at the Asian Games. Each member of the support staff will also receive ₹5.5 lakh, the state government said.
Historic win ends 44-year wait
The announcement came a day after India defeated defending champions and Olympic silver-medallists China 1-0 in the final in Japan on Friday, October 2. The victory ended a 44-year wait for the women’s hockey Asian Games gold—India’s last title came in 1982—and secured direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Government recognition and support
In a post on social media, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said: “Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a cash reward of ₹11 lakh each for the players and ₹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 added that the Chief Minister congratulated the team for its “outstanding performance, determination and commitment,” noting that the achievement has brought “immense pride to the nation.” It further stated that the Odisha government “stands firmly with Indian hockey and remains committed to supporting and nurturing sporting excellence.”
Over and above Hockey India’s award
Odisha Sports Department Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia told PTI that the Chief Minister’s announcement is in addition to the cash award declared by Hockey India. “The cash prize for the players announced by the chief minister is over and above the one that has been announced by Hockey India yesterday,” he said.
Odisha’s long-term backing of Indian hockey
The state government reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with the sport, noting that Odisha will remain the official sponsor of the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams—across senior and junior categories—until 2036. Odisha became the first Indian state to sponsor national hockey teams in 2018.
Significance of the win
India’s gold medal marks a watershed moment for women’s hockey in the country, combining a long-awaited continental triumph with qualification for the 2028 Olympics. The Odisha government’s financial recognition underscores its sustained investment in the sport and its emphasis on supporting athletes and support staff who have played a central role in the team’s resurgence.
