Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday felicitated the Indian men's and women's hockey teams for their gold medal-winning performances at the Asian Games 2026, awarding Rs 11 lakh to each player from both squads.
Hailing the teams as "true icons and role models" for the youth of India, Majhi congratulated them at a ceremony in Bhubaneswar attended by Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj. Captains Harmanpreet Singh and Salima Tete thanked the government for its support, ANI reported.
Double gold, Olympic berths
The men's team clinched gold after defeating Malaysia 5-1 in the final, securing back-to-back Asian Games titles. Both the men's and women's triumphs also earned India direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics — the ultimate prize attached to continental gold.
A message for the youth
"Today is a moment of great pride as we celebrate the Indian men's and women's hockey teams, who won gold medals at the Asian Games and secured their places at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics," Majhi told reporters. "They are true icons and role models for the youth and a source of pride for India. With the blessings of Lord Jagannath and the support of 1.4 billion Indians, I am confident that our players will succeed at the Olympics."
Harmanpreet Singh said he was happy that both teams had won gold and qualified directly for the Olympics, welcoming the recognition and encouragement extended to the players.
The felicitation underscores Odisha's long-standing backing of Indian hockey and sets the tone as both squads now turn their sights on Los Angeles 2028.
Sources: The Tribune (ANI) — "True icons and role models for youth": Odisha CM Mohan Majhi hails Indian men's, women's hockey teams
Hailing the teams as "true icons and role models" for the youth of India, Majhi congratulated them at a ceremony in Bhubaneswar attended by Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj. Captains Harmanpreet Singh and Salima Tete thanked the government for its support, ANI reported.
Double gold, Olympic berths
The men's team clinched gold after defeating Malaysia 5-1 in the final, securing back-to-back Asian Games titles. Both the men's and women's triumphs also earned India direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics — the ultimate prize attached to continental gold.
A message for the youth
"Today is a moment of great pride as we celebrate the Indian men's and women's hockey teams, who won gold medals at the Asian Games and secured their places at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics," Majhi told reporters. "They are true icons and role models for the youth and a source of pride for India. With the blessings of Lord Jagannath and the support of 1.4 billion Indians, I am confident that our players will succeed at the Olympics."
Harmanpreet Singh said he was happy that both teams had won gold and qualified directly for the Olympics, welcoming the recognition and encouragement extended to the players.
The felicitation underscores Odisha's long-standing backing of Indian hockey and sets the tone as both squads now turn their sights on Los Angeles 2028.
Sources: The Tribune (ANI) — "True icons and role models for youth": Odisha CM Mohan Majhi hails Indian men's, women's hockey teams