India's hockey teams win dual Asian Games gold and Olympic berths

India's men's and women's hockey teams both secured gold medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, marking the first time in history that both squads have won the continental title in a single edition. Both victories also earned the teams direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The women's team defeated defending champions China 1-0 in the final, ending a 44-year wait for the gold. The men's team successfully defended their title by defeating Malaysia 5-1.

Following these achievements, various Indian state governments and national bodies announced significant rewards. The Mizoram government awarded Rs 40 lakh each to players Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi, while the Himachal Pradesh government pledged at least Rs 1 crore each to kabaddi gold medalists Pushpa Rana, Jyoti Thakur, and Bhavna Thakur, alongside promises of government employment. In Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced Rs 11 lakh for each men's hockey player and Rs 5.5 lakh for support staff. Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey also announced a cash prize of ₹11 lakh for each player of the men's gold-winning team.