Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 28: Hockey India on Friday announced a cash reward of Rs 50 lakh for the Indian Women's Hockey Team following their historic fifth-place finish at the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026.

Led by captain Salima Tete, the Indian side secured the milestone with a decisive 3-1 victory over World No. 5 Germany in the 5th/6th place classification match in Amstelveen on Thursday. The result marks India's best performance at the flagship event since their fourth-place finish in the inaugural 1974 edition.

India enjoyed a stellar tournament campaign, suffering only a single defeat throughout. Under the guidance of chief coach Sjoerd Marijne, the team held higher-ranked nations including China, England, and Australia to draws, routed South Africa 6-1, and capped off their run by outplaying Germany.

Lauding the team's achievement, Hockey India President Padma Shri Dr Dilip Tirkey said, "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. 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."

Echoing the president’s pride, Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh remarked, "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. This announcement is our way of recognising their commitment and hard work, and we hope it further motivates the team as they turn their focus towards the Asian Games."