New Delhi, Aug 29: Hockey India has announced a cash reward of Rs 50 lakh for the Indian women’s hockey team in recognition of their impressive fifth-place finish at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The award acknowledges the team’s strong campaign on the international stage and their determined performances against some of the world’s leading hockey sides.
The fifth-place finish marks an encouraging result for Indian women’s hockey and reflects the team’s growing competitiveness at the global level. The players showed resilience throughout the tournament, carrying the hopes of Indian hockey fans while competing against tough international opposition.
Hockey India said the reward is intended to recognise the players’ hard work, commitment and contribution to the sport. Such recognition also provides a boost to athletes who continue to represent India at major international competitions.
The achievement is expected to further inspire young players, particularly girls looking to take up hockey and pursue the sport at competitive levels. Continued support and recognition can play an important role in encouraging more youngsters to participate in organised sports.
The World Cup campaign also provides the Indian team with valuable international experience as it looks ahead to future tournaments. Strong performances against top-ranked teams can help the squad identify areas for improvement and build greater confidence for upcoming challenges.
For Indian hockey, the achievement is another positive step in the development of the women’s game. Along with financial rewards, sustained investment in training, facilities, coaching and grassroots programmes will remain important to help Indian players compete consistently at the highest level.
The Rs 50 lakh award is therefore not only a recognition of the team’s latest performance but also a gesture of encouragement as Indian women’s hockey continues its journey towards greater success on the world stage.