Lalremsiami Becomes Mizoram's First Arjuna Awardee in Hockey

Lalremsiami, an accomplished hockey player from Mizoram, has made history by becoming the first athlete from her state to receive the prestigious Arjuna Award. This recognition celebrates her significant contributions to the sport and serves as an inspiration for young athletes in Mizoram. With a remarkable journey that includes representing India at the Olympics and winning medals at international tournaments, Lalremsiami's achievements highlight her dedication and perseverance. Her family and the state celebrate this landmark moment, marking a proud chapter in Mizoram's sports history.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 19, 2026, 17:06 IST

Historic Achievement for Mizoram's Hockey Star

File image of hockey star Lalremsiami. (Photo:@airnewsalerts/X)

Aizawl, Aug 19: Lalremsiami, an Indian women's hockey international and Olympian, has made history by being the first athlete from Mizoram to receive the esteemed Arjuna Award, recognizing her significant contributions to the sport.

The 26-year-old, who holds the distinction of being Mizoram's sole female Olympian, was among the 17 athletes chosen for the Arjuna Award 2025 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Tuesday.

This recognition has brought immense pride to her family. Her mother, Lalzarmawii, expressed their joy, stating, "We were thrilled when Siami shared the news of her Arjuna Award selection and urged us to thank God. We never imagined receiving such a prestigious award. It is a remarkable achievement for our humble family."

Chief Minister Lalduhoma, along with Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar and other officials, congratulated Lalremsiami, calling this honor a significant milestone for Mizoram and a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes in the region.

In his congratulatory message, Lalduhoma emphasized the pride and joy this recognition brings, highlighting her dedication and accomplishments that have elevated both Mizoram and Indian hockey.

He remarked, "This recognition is particularly historic as she is set to become the first Mizo recipient of the Arjuna Award. On behalf of the people of Mizoram, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Lalremsiami on this well-deserved honor. Her achievement is an inspiration to our youth and a proud moment for the entire state."

Lalremsiami was born in March 2000 into an agricultural family in Diglangmukh, a remote village in Assam's Cachar district. Her family relocated to Kolasib in Mizoram in 2005 when she was just five years old.

Her journey in hockey began when she met her teachers Lallawmawmi, Lalrampari, and Lalrothuami, who recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue the sport, guiding her towards national recognition.

She started playing hockey at a young age and joined the state-run academy in Thenzawl, approximately 91 km from Aizawl, in 2011 at the age of 11. In 2016, she moved to the National Hockey Academy in New Delhi.

In 2017, she received her first call-up to the senior national team, which went on to win the Asia Cup gold medal.

Since then, she has been a vital member of the Indian team, contributing significantly to various international tournaments, including India's fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics.

Lalremsiami achieved another milestone in 2018 by becoming the first athlete from Mizoram to win a medal at the Asian Games, helping India secure a silver medal.

Her resilience was evident in 2019 when she chose to stay with her teammates and represent India at the FIH Women's Series in Japan, despite the passing of her father, Lalthansanga Zote, in June of that year.

India triumphed in the series, defeating Japan and securing Olympic qualification, making Lalremsiami the first female from Mizoram to compete in the Olympics.

In 2020, she became the first Indian female hockey player to receive the International Hockey Federation's Women's Rising Star of the Year award.