Hockey India has announced a cash reward of Rs 50 lakh for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team following its historic fifth-place finish at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026.
The team, led by captain Salima Tete, secured the landmark position after defeating World No 5 Germany 3-1 in the fifth/sixth-place classification match in Amstelveen on Thursday.
The result marks India’s strongest performance at the Women’s Hockey World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1974, when the team finished fourth.
India produced a highly competitive campaign, suffering just one defeat throughout the tournament.
The side held higher-ranked teams, including China, England and Australia, to draws and recorded an impressive 6-1 victory over South Africa.
The victory against Germany completed the team’s memorable campaign under chief coach Sjoerd Marijne.
Hockey India president Padma Dr Dilip Tirkey praised the players for their determination and consistency during the tournament. He said the fifth-place finish represented a historic achievement for Indian women’s hockey after a gap of 52 years.
Tirkey described the Rs 50 lakh reward as a gesture of appreciation for the team’s hard work, resilience and fighting spirit. He expressed hope that the recognition would encourage the players to continue improving and set higher targets in international hockey.
Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh congratulated Tete and her teammates for competing strongly against some of the world’s leading teams. He said the reward recognised the players’ commitment and performances during their World Cup campaign.
With the World Cup now behind them, the Indian women’s hockey team will turn its attention towards the upcoming Asian Games, carrying the confidence gained from its historic performance in the Netherlands.
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