Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann congratulated the Indian women’s hockey team after it defeated China 1-0 in the Asian Games 2026 final to win the gold medal. Mann also announced that Punjab hockey player Baljit Kaur, a member of the historic team, will receive a ₹1 crore cash award under the state’s sports policy.
Bhagwant Mann Congratulates Indian Women’s Hockey Team
Mann expressed pride in the Indian women’s hockey team for securing the Asian Games gold medal after a long wait. India’s victory over China marked the country’s first women’s hockey gold at the Asian Games since 1982, ending a 44-year wait.
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The Chief Minister also congratulated the entire squad and highlighted the contribution of Punjab’s Baljit Kaur to the gold-medal-winning team.
Baljit Kaur to Receive ₹1 Crore Reward
According to Mann’s announcement, Baljit Kaur will be honoured with ₹1 crore under the Punjab government’s sports policy for being part of the Asian Games gold-medal-winning team.
The announcement reflects the state government’s stated policy of providing recognition and financial rewards to sportspersons who achieve success at international competitions.
India Defeats China 1-0 in Final
India secured a 1-0 victory over China in the women’s hockey final. Lalremsiami scored the decisive goal, while goalkeeper Savita Punia made a crucial save from a Chinese penalty stroke as India protected its lead.
The victory also secured India’s qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Punjab’s Contribution to Indian Hockey
Baljit Kaur’s presence in the gold-medal-winning squad adds another achievement to Punjab’s long association with Indian hockey.
Punjab’s sports infrastructure and talent-development system includes the Punjab State Institute of Sports, which describes its role as grooming elite athletes from the state for national and international competitions.
Bhagwant Mann Hails Historic Achievement
Mann extended his congratulations to the entire Indian women’s hockey team and Baljit Kaur following the historic Asian Games victory.
The ₹1 crore reward announced for Baljit Kaur is to be provided under the Punjab government’s sports policy, according to the Chief Minister’s statement.
