Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has declared a significant cash reward for the Indian men's hockey team and its support staff, honoring their gold medal victory at the 2026 Asian Games. The announcement, made via a post on X (formerly Twitter) by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), confirms that each player will receive ₹11 lakh, while every member of the support staff will be awarded ₹5.5 lakh.
CM Majhi extended his congratulations to the team for their historic achievement, emphasizing Odisha's deep connection with Indian hockey and its commitment to fostering sporting excellence. The state government reiterated its pride in the champions and its ongoing support for the sport.
India's Dominant Performance Secures Gold
The Indian men's hockey team secured the coveted gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 after a commanding 5-1 victory over Malaysia in the final match. The decisive game was held at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on Saturday, culminating a stellar tournament run for the Indian squad.
This triumph not only marked India's back-to-back gold medals in men's hockey at the Asian Games but also guaranteed their direct qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games. The team's consistent performance and determination throughout the tournament earned widespread acclaim across the nation.
Odisha's Enduring Hockey Support
Odisha has long been a pivotal state in the promotion and development of Indian hockey. Demonstrating its strong commitment, the state government serves as the official sponsor for both the men's and women's national hockey teams, a partnership set to continue until 2036. This long-term association underscores Odisha's dedication to nurturing hockey talent and supporting the sport at the highest level.
Chief Minister Majhi also personally congratulated the Odisha-born players, Amit Rohidas and Shilanand Lakra, who were integral members of the gold-winning Indian team. He reportedly spoke with both players to convey his best wishes and commend their contribution to the team's success.