Odisha CM Rewards Indian Men's Hockey Team for Asian Games Gold
Celebrating a Historic Victory
Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) [India], October 4: The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, has announced a cash reward for the Indian men's hockey team and their support staff following their impressive gold medal win at the Asian Games on Saturday.
The Indian men's hockey squad secured the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games by defeating Malaysia with a score of 5-1 in the final match, marking their second consecutive gold at this prestigious event. This victory is particularly significant as it follows the women's team’s triumph over China, making it the first time both teams have achieved a double gold finish at the Asian Games.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister stated, "Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a cash award of ₹11 lakh each for the players and ₹5.5 lakh each for the support staff of the Indian Men’s Hockey Team in recognition of their Gold Medal triumph at the Asian Games 2026."
The Chief Minister expressed his congratulations to every team member, acknowledging their vital role in this remarkable achievement. He emphasized Odisha's strong ties to Indian hockey and its commitment to fostering sporting excellence.
Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a cash award of ₹11 lakh each for the players and ₹5.5 lakh each for the support staff of the Indian Men’s Hockey Team in recognition of their Gold Medal triumph at the Asian Games 2026.
The Chief Minister…
— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) October 3, 2026
This victory marks a historic moment as India’s men's hockey team successfully defended their Asian Games gold medal for the first time, achieving consecutive titles in 2022 and 2026. This win also represents India's fifth gold in men's hockey at the Asian Games, following previous victories in 1966, 1998, 2014, and 2022.
With this accomplishment, hockey joins kabaddi and cricket as the third Indian team sport to achieve a double-gold podium finish at the continental event.
India started strong, earning their first penalty corner in the 12th minute, which Harmanpreet Singh converted with a precise dragflick to take the lead.
Malaysia quickly responded, with Shello Silverius scoring in the 14th minute, leveling the match at 1-1. The first quarter concluded with both teams locked in a defensive battle.
In the 23rd minute, Jugraj Singh restored India's lead with another penalty corner conversion, sending the teams into halftime with India ahead 2-1.
India maintained control in the third quarter but faced challenges in creating clear scoring opportunities. They extended their lead in the 43rd minute when Hardik Singh converted a penalty stroke, making it 3-1.
Continuing their offensive, India earned multiple penalty corners in the 53rd minute. After a review, they retained the penalty corner, leading to Shilanand Lakra scoring from close range to increase the lead to 4-1.
Just two minutes later, another penalty corner was awarded, which Harmanpreet converted, sealing the match at 5-1 in the 57th minute.
India comfortably held their lead in the final moments, securing back-to-back gold medals in men's hockey at the Asian Games.