Mansukh Mandaviya Honors Indian Lacrosse Teams for Asian Games Gold and Encourages LA 2028 Aspirations
Synopsis
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently celebrated the Indian lacrosse teams for their gold medals at the Asian Lacrosse Games. He emphasized the importance of hard work and international exposure in their journey toward qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Key Takeaways
Mansukh Mandaviya honored Indian lacrosse teams for their gold medals.
Importance of hard work for qualifying for LA 2028 .
India showcased talent with diverse representation from various states.
Upcoming events include 3rd Asian Lacrosse Games and Asia-Pacific Championships .
Government support through Khelo India program.
New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, honored the Indian men's and women's lacrosse teams for their remarkable gold medal achievements at the Asian Lacrosse Games held in Riyadh. He urged them to continue their hard work and aim high in their quest to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Mandaviya stressed the importance of determination, exposure, and relentless effort for the growth of emerging sports like lacrosse. "Lacrosse is rapidly gaining popularity in India. This was your first significant international experience, and you've already brought home medals. Now, it's essential to work harder, gain more experience, and strive for making the nation proud by qualifying for LA 2028," he stated.
In a post shared on X, he remarked, "I celebrated our lacrosse teams for their outstanding performance at the Asian Lacrosse Games 2026 in Riyadh. Under the guidance of PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, India's progress in emerging sports is a source of great pride, demonstrating the increasing depth and strength of our sports ecosystem."
Mandaviya also noted that the government will continue to support athletes through programs like Khelo India, while emphasizing that passion and perseverance are vital.
India showcased an impressive performance at the Asian Lacrosse Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in February, securing gold medals in both the men's and women's Sixes events. The Indian teams triumphed over Iraq in the men's final and Pakistan in the women's final.
The Indian women's lacrosse team made its international debut in 2024, followed by the men's team in 2025, making their achievements even more commendable.
A significant highlight of India's success was the diverse representation from various states, including Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
The Asian Lacrosse Games, organized by the Asia-Pacific Lacrosse Union, are part of broader initiatives to enhance competitive opportunities in the region in preparation for lacrosse's inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Upcoming significant events for India include the 3rd Asian Lacrosse Games in Chengdu, China, in April, and the Asia-Pacific Sixes Lacrosse Championships in Australia this October. These tournaments will also serve as qualification events for LA 2028.
Point of View
There is a promising path toward greater international recognition and success. The commitment to achieving qualifications for the LA 2028 Olympics reflects a hopeful future for Indian sports.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who felicitated the Indian lacrosse teams?
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, felicitated the teams.
What medals did the Indian teams win at the Asian Lacrosse Games?
The Indian men's and women's teams both won gold medals.
What is the significance of the Asian Lacrosse Games for India?
These games mark a significant achievement for Indian lacrosse and serve as a platform for further international exposure.
What are the upcoming events for Indian lacrosse?
India will participate in the 3rd Asian Lacrosse Games in Chengdu, China, and the Asia-Pacific Sixes Lacrosse Championships in Australia, both of which are qualification events for LA 2028.
How does the government support lacrosse in India?
The government supports lacrosse through initiatives like Khelo India, emphasizing the importance of passion and perseverance in sports.
