Odisha CM announces Rs 11 lakh reward for each Indian women hockey player

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday announced cash rewards of Rs 11 lakh each for the players of the Indian women's hockey team for winning the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games.

Each member of the support staff will receive Rs 5.5 lakh, the Chief Minister's Office said.

India ended a 44-year wait for the Asian Games women's hockey gold by 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.

In a social media post, the CMO said Majhi had announced the rewards in recognition of the team's "historic gold medal" at the Asian Games.

The chief minister congratulated the players for their performance, determination and commitment, saying their achievement had brought pride to the country.

"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," Odisha Sports Department Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia told PTI.

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

Odisha has been the official sponsor of the Indian men's and women's hockey teams, including senior and junior sides, since 2018. The state government has extended its sponsorship commitment until 2036.

Odisha became the first Indian state to sponsor the national hockey teams in 2018 and has continued to support the sport through its partnership with Hockey India.