Mizoram government announces Rs 40 lakh each for hockey stars under State Incentive Cash Award and Bana Kaih schemes
Aizawl, October 2026: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday felicitated Asian Games 2026 gold medallists and hockey players Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi at a ceremony held at the R. Dengthuama Indoor Stadium in Mualpui, Aizawl.
Congratulating the two players, Lalduhoma said it was a matter of pride that Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi had become the first athletes from Mizoram to win medals at the Asian Games. He said the state was delighted that Mizoram had begun its Asian Games medal journey with a gold.
The Chief Minister also congratulated the players for qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Highlighting the significance of their achievement, Lalduhoma announced that both players would receive Rs 25 lakh each under the Mizoram State Incentive Cash Award Scheme. They would receive an additional Rs 15 lakh each under the Bana Kaih Scheme, taking the total incentive from the Mizoram government to Rs 40 lakh each.
The awards will be presented at the fifth Incentive Cash Award ceremony along with other successful athletes from Mizoram, he said.
Thenzawl Academy Players Bring Glory to Mizoram
Lalduhoma said the two hockey players felicitated at the event had trained at the Thenzawl Women Hockey Academy. Their achievement demonstrated that Mizoram possesses considerable potential in hockey when athletes receive proper training and support, he said.
Noting that hockey is one of the games included under the Bana Kaih Scheme’s ‘Empowering Mizoram Sports’ initiative, the Chief Minister said the sport had been selected because of India’s strong standing in it at the international level.
He also highlighted Lalremsiami’s achievements beyond her Asian Games success. She has been selected for the Arjuna Award for bringing distinction to India in sports and has contributed to India’s qualification for the upcoming Olympic Games, he said.
To honour her achievements, the government plans to name a hockey ground after Lalremsiami. The Kolasib Diakkawn GSA playground is being considered for the purpose, Lalduhoma said.
Government Steps to Strengthen Sports Infrastructure
The Chief Minister also outlined various initiatives being undertaken by the state government to strengthen sports infrastructure.
He said, under the leadership of Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar, the Sports Authority of India had begun work on laying a new hockey turf at the Thenzawl Women Hockey Academy at a cost of Rs 6 crore.
A hostel with accommodation for 30 players is also under construction at the academy, providing facilities that athletes can use in the future, he said.
The Chief Minister further said the Ministry of Minority Affairs had approved Rs 9.886 crore for the construction of the Hnahthiala Hockey Ground.
Focus on Fitness and Youth Participation
Lalduhoma stressed that the government would continue to give greater importance to health and physical fitness.
He said the Physical Efficiency Test had been given importance alongside the written examination in the latest recruitment of excise constables. Similar emphasis would also be placed on physical fitness while recruiting police constables, he said.
The Chief Minister said sports could serve as an effective means of building a fitter and healthier Mizoram. He urged young people to pay greater attention to their health and participate actively in sports.
Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said the Indian women’s hockey team becoming Asian Games champions after 44 years was a historic achievement.
Describing Lalremsiami as a key attacking player who had brought recognition not only to Mizoram but to the entire country, Hmar congratulated both players.
He said the ‘Empowering Mizoram Sports’ (EMS) initiative, which emerged from the Mizoram Sports Conclave 2024, was being implemented in conjunction with the Bana Kaih handholding scheme to promote sports development in the state.
Training programmes are being conducted for athletes, while hockey centres are being established under EMS to provide better opportunities and support the development of hockey in Mizoram, he said.
Hmar congratulated Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi and extended his best wishes for their future sporting careers.
The felicitation programme was chaired by K. Lalthawmmawia, Commissioner and Secretary, Sports and Youth Services. K. Lalthlengliana, President of Hockey Mizoram, also addressed the gathering.
Lok Sabha MP Richard Vanlalhmangaiha, Rajya Sabha MP K. Laltluangkima, Ministers of State, MLAs, government officials and representatives of NGOs and various sports associations attended the ceremony.
