Indian hockey delivered a landmark performance at the Asian Games by sealing a historic double gold. Following the Indian women's team triumph, the men's squad successfully defended their title with a commanding campaign. Beyond securing continental supremacy, this victory also confirmed India's direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, completing a dominant showing on the continental stage.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar Commends the Teams
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar hailed the remarkable achievement across digital channels, noting that Indian hockey had completed a golden double. He highlighted how the men's squad followed the women in clinching top honors at the Asian Games, extending his congratulations to both championship teams for bringing glory to the nation.
Praise from Leadership and Hockey Legends
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the historic double gold triumph, commending both squads for their resilience and high level of play. Former international hockey star Pargat Singh also praised the players for their disciplined execution throughout the tournament. Key players including Hardik Singh and Manpreet Singh pointed to the positive environment created by head coach Craig Fulton, noting that team unity and focus helped them maintain their competitive edge through crucial moments.
Rewards Announced and Coach's Assessment
Celebrating the achievement, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey announced a cash reward for the men's squad. Additionally, the Chief Minister of Odisha declared an 11 lakh rupee cash prize to honor the team's victory. Head coach Craig Fulton emphasized that defending this title was vital for the squad's progression, stating that bouncing back on such a major stage reaffirmed the team's standing and established solid momentum moving forward.
Public Reaction
Supporters across social media widely celebrated the double gold as a defining moment for Indian sports, praising the players' dedication. Alongside the celebrations, several commentators called for continued investment in sports governance and infrastructure to sustain this momentum on the global stage.
