Hockey India announces Rs.11 Lakh cash reward for Asian Games gold medal-winning women’s team

This is the women’s team’s first gold medal in the continental event in 44 years, with its last Asiad gold coming in the 1982 Games.  | Photo Credit: PTI

The Indian women’s hockey team beat China 1-0 to win gold at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi Nagoya on Friday.

This is the women’s team’s first gold medal in the continental event in 44 years, with its last Asiad gold coming in the 1982 Games.

The team’s victory has come against the backdrop of serious infighting within factions of the governing body, with president Dilip Tirkey at loggerheads with secretary general Bhola Nath Singh and Director General Cdr R.K. Srivastava.

The tussle has seemingly spilt over even to the awards being announced for the victorious players.

HI president Tirkey announced a reward of Rs. 10 Lakh for players and Rs. 5 Lakh for the support staff as federation incentives for the historic result.

“A golden achievement built on dedication, teamwork and determination. Heartiest Congratulations, Champions,” Tirkey wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Meanwhile, Bhola Nath, to PTI in Nagoya, and the federation’s official social media account announced a marginally higher sum of Rs. 11 Lakh per player and Rs. 5.5 Lakh for each support staff member.

“It was a stupendous performance from the Indian women’s team,” Bholanath said to PTI.

“They showed guts and resilience to hold their one-goal advantage against the reigning Olympics silver medallist and world No. 4 China to create history after 44 years. Hockey India is awarding them with cash rewards for their achievements,” Bhola Nath added.