New Delhi, August 29, 2026: Hockey India has announced a ₹50 lakh cash reward for the Indian women’s hockey team following its impressive fifth-place finish at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The reward recognises the team’s best World Cup performance in 52 years. India secured fifth place after defeating World No. 5 Germany 3-1 in the fifth/sixth-place classification match in Amstelveen.
₹2 Lakh for Each Player
According to Hockey India, the total ₹50 lakh award includes ₹2 lakh for each player and ₹1 lakh for each member of the support staff. Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said the reward was intended to recognise the team's hard work, resilience and fighting spirit.
India Ends World Cup Campaign on a High
Led by captain Salima Tete, India produced a memorable campaign, losing just once during the tournament.
The team held higher-ranked sides China, England and Australia to draws and recorded an emphatic 6-1 victory over South Africa before defeating Germany in the classification match.
The victory over Germany secured India's second-best World Cup finish ever. India's only better result came at the inaugural Women's World Cup in 1974, when the team finished fourth.
Major Boost Ahead of Asian Games
The World Cup performance has also provided a major confidence boost ahead of the Asian Games, where India will look to build on its recent progress.
Chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said the team's World Cup experience would give the players greater belief heading into the next major tournament.
Hockey India's Message of Appreciation
Hockey India said the fifth-place finish reflects the progress being made by Indian women's hockey and expressed hope that the cash incentive will motivate the players to continue raising their performance levels.
Key Highlights
🇮🇳 India finished 5th at the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026.
💰 Hockey India announced a ₹50 lakh cash reward.
🏑 Each player will receive ₹2 lakh.
👥 Support staff will receive ₹1 lakh each.
🇩🇪 India defeated Germany 3-1 in the fifth/sixth-place match.
📈 It is India's best World Cup finish since 1974.
🎯 The team will now turn its attention towards the Asian Games.
Conclusion
The Indian women's hockey team's historic fifth-place finish has ended a 52-year wait for another top-five World Cup result. The ₹50 lakh reward from Hockey India is recognition of a campaign that showcased determination, consistency and the growing strength of Indian women's hockey.
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