New Delhi, August 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Hockey India on Friday announced a cash reward of Rs 50 lakh for the Indian women’s hockey team in recognition of its historic fifth-place finish at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026.
Led by captain Salima Tete, India secured the fifth position with a 3-1 victory over World No. 5 Germany in the fifth-sixth place classification match in Amstelveen on Thursday.
The result marked India’s best finish at the World Cup in 52 years, since the team finished fourth at the inaugural edition in 1974.
India enjoyed an impressive campaign, suffering just one defeat. The team held higher-ranked China, England and Australia to draws and registered a 6-1 win over South Africa before completing its run under head coach Sjoerd Marijne with the victory against Germany.
Congratulating the team, Hockey India president Padma Dr Dilip Tirkey said the fifth-place finish was a landmark achievement for Indian women’s hockey.
“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,” Tirkey said.
“On behalf of Hockey India, I am pleased to announce a cash award of Rs 50 lakh for the team as a token of our appreciation, and I hope this inspires the players to keep raising the bar,” he added.
Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh also praised the team’s performance and its ability to compete against some of the world’s leading sides.
“Salima and her team have done the country proud with a campaign that saw them compete with, and hold their own against, some of the best sides in the world,” Singh said.
He added that the reward was intended to recognise the players’ commitment and hard work and motivate them as they shift their attention towards the Asian Games.
The Indian team’s historic World Cup campaign has provided a major boost ahead of the continental competition, with the players now expected to build on their strong performance on the international stage.
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