India scripted a landmark chapter in hockey history at the Asian Games in Kakamigahara, Japan, with both the men's and women's national teams clinching gold medals and securing direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey hailed the twin triumph as a reflection of collective effort across players, coaches, and support staff.

Historic Double Gold

The Indian men's team retained its Asian Games title with a commanding 5-1 victory over Malaysia in the final at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on Saturday. A day earlier, the Indian women's team defeated defending champions and Paris Olympics silver medallists China 1-0 to reclaim the gold medal. This marks the first time in history that Indian men's and women's hockey teams have won the Asian Games title at the same edition — a milestone that underlines the sport's growing depth across genders in the country.

Tirkey also noted a striking numerical coincidence: India had beaten Japan 5-1 in the Hangzhou Asian Games men's final, and replicated the exact scoreline against Malaysia in Kakamigahara. 'Both teams had the same aim: to win the Asian Games and then qualify for LA. Both teams have done it. It is a very proud moment for us,' Tirkey said after the men's final.

Key Performers Singled Out

Tirkey reserved special praise for the men's squad, highlighting captain Harmanpreet Singh, along with Abhishek, Dilpreet Singh, and Manpreet Singh for their contributions throughout the campaign. 'The chief coach, supporting staff, captain Harman, Abhishek, Dilpreet, Manpreet and all the players performed very well. From the beginning, everyone played together, and everyone had the same aim,' he said. On the women's side, Tirkey acknowledged the challenge posed by China — 'a tough team, Olympic silver medallists and the last Asian Games champions' — making the 1-0 win all the more significant.

Cash Rewards and LA 2028 Roadmap

Hockey India has announced a cash reward of ₹11 lakh each for players of both gold-winning squads, while members of the respective support staff will receive ₹5.5 lakh each. Looking ahead to Los Angeles 2028, Tirkey pledged full institutional support for both teams. 'Whether it is an exposure tour, a tournament in Europe or a coaching programme, Hockey India will try to provide all the facilities,' he said. He added that Olympic selection would ultimately hinge on performance and fitness, urging players from Odisha and other states to sustain their intensity as competition for places intensifies.

Grassroots Push in Odisha

Tirkey also highlighted Hockey India's grassroots development efforts in Odisha, particularly in Sundargarh — long regarded as a nursery of Indian hockey talent. He noted that every block in Sundargarh now has turf facilities, academies, and hostels, with government support extending to other districts as well. 'But proper training programmes need to be organised on these grounds,' he cautioned, emphasising the need for structured coaching around fitness, technical skills, drag-flickers, and goalkeepers to build a sustainable pipeline. 'Now we have to make this performance even better. We have to prepare the team in terms of confidence, fitness and future events,' Tirkey said, signalling that the federation views this double gold not as an endpoint but as a launchpad for 2028.