Historic Milestone: Hockey India Rewards Women’s Team with Rs 50 Lakh After Stellar World Cup Run

NEW DELHI: In recognition of a landmark achievement on the international stage, Hockey India has officially announced a cash reward of Rs 50 lakh for the Indian women’s hockey team. The announcement follows the squad’s remarkable fifth-place finish at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026 in Amstelveen, a performance that marks the nation’s best result in the tournament in over five decades.

A Historic Campaign

Under the leadership of captain Salima Tete, the Indian side demonstrated tactical maturity and grit throughout the tournament. The team concluded their campaign on a high note by defeating world No. 5 Germany 3-1 in a decisive classification match. This victory solidified their fifth-place standing, representing India’s second-best finish in the history of the sport. The only superior performance remains the team’s fourth-place finish in the inaugural 1974 tournament.

The team’s success was defined by remarkable consistency. Guided by chief coach Sjoerd Marijne, the side proved to be a formidable defensive unit, suffering only one defeat throughout the entirety of the event. Their journey included hard-fought draws against global powerhouses such as England, Australia, and China, along with a commanding 6-1 victory over South Africa.

Reward Breakdown and Recognition

To honor their dedication, Hockey India has structured the Rs 50 lakh bounty to directly benefit the individuals involved in the campaign. According to the federation, each member of the playing squad will receive Rs 2 lakh, while the dedicated support staff members will be awarded Rs 1 lakh each.

Hockey India president, Padma Dr. Dilip Tirkey, expressed his pride in the squad’s performance. “This is a historic result for Indian women’s hockey. To finish fifth at a World Cup after 52 years is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and fighting spirit this team has shown throughout the tournament,” said Dr. Tirkey. He noted that the reward serves as a token of appreciation and expressed hope that it would inspire the players to continue “raising the bar.”

Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the team’s ability to hold their own against the world’s elite. “Salima and her team have done the country proud,” Singh stated. “This announcement is our way of recognizing their commitment, and we hope it further motivates the team as they turn their focus towards the upcoming Asian Games.”

As the Indian contingent looks to build on this momentum, the Hockey India federation remains committed to fostering the growth of the sport, ensuring that the team receives the necessary support to maintain their upward trajectory on the global circuit.