Indian women’s hockey player Lalremsiami Hmar received the prestigious Arjuna Award from President Droupadi Murmu on Friday. She made history by becoming the very first sportsperson from the state of Mizoram to earn this national sporting honour. The 26-year-old forward joined seventeen other athletes selected for the national recognition by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Her formal felicitation took place during a special presentation ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
- Lalremsiami Hmar became the first athlete from Mizoram to win the Arjuna Award.
- President Droupadi Murmu presented the honour at a ceremony in New Delhi.
- The Ministry of Youth Affairs selected seventeen athletes for the award.
- The forward previously won gold medals at the Asian Games and Asian Champions Trophy.
Historic Milestone for Mizoram Sport
Her journey to national recognition began after she moved from her home state to join the state-run hockey academy in Thenzawl. Local teachers spotted her talent early and encouraged her to pursue competitive hockey seriously. Later, she relocated to the National Hockey Academy in New Delhi to hone her skills further. Her dedication paid off when she earned her maiden senior national team call-up in 2017.
Meanwhile, she displayed immense courage during the 2019 FIH Women’s Series in Japan by staying with the squad following her father’s passing. Her sacrifice helped India secure Olympic qualification for the Tokyo Games. As a result, she also earned the International Hockey Federation Rising Star of the Year award in 2020.
A Decorated Career in International Hockey
Over the years, the forward has established herself as an indispensable member of the national squad. She contributed significantly to India’s bronze medal finish at the 2022 Asian Games. Also, she claimed consecutive continental titles during the Asian Champions Trophy tournaments in recent seasons. Her impressive trophy cabinet expanded further with another gold medal at the Asian Games.
Earlier, the Mizoram government announced significant cash rewards for local athletes who triumphed at international events. Because of her consistent excellence, she remains a role model for aspiring athletes across the northeastern region. Her latest national accolade cements her legacy as a trailblazer for women’s sport in India.
Keep browsing Sporting Avenue to get more interesting news from the world of sports. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to get the notifications instantly.
