Hockey India has rewarded the Indian women’s hockey team with a Rs 50 lakh cash prize following their impressive fifth-place finish at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026 in Amstelveen. The award recognises the team’s historic campaign, which produced India’s best World Cup finish in 52 years.

India secure fifth place with win over Germany

India ended their World Cup campaign on a high after defeating world No. 5 Germany 3-1 in the classification match. Captain Salima Tete led the team as India secured fifth place in the tournament.

The result became India’s second-best finish in Women’s Hockey World Cup history. India’s best performance came in the inaugural 1974 edition, when the team finished fourth.

The fifth-place finish also highlighted the team’s growing ability to compete against top-ranked opponents on the international stage.

India show remarkable consistency

India enjoyed a highly consistent campaign throughout the tournament. Under chief coach Sjoerd Marijne, the team suffered just one defeat during the competition.

India also produced strong performances against several leading teams. They held China, England and Australia to draws, showing that they could match some of the world’s strongest sides.

The team also registered an emphatic 6-1 victory over South Africa, further underlining its attacking strength and confidence during the tournament.

Hockey India announces Rs 50 lakh reward

To recognise the team’s performance, Hockey India announced a total cash reward of Rs 50 lakh. The prize money will be distributed among the players and support staff.

Each member of the playing squad will receive Rs 2 lakh, while every member of the support staff will get Rs 1 lakh.

Hockey India president Padma Dr Dilip Tirkey praised the players for their historic achievement and said the result reflected their hard work and determination.

"This is a historic result for Indian women's hockey. To finish fifth at a World Cup after 52 years is a testament to the hard work, resilience and fighting spirit this team has shown throughout the tournament. On behalf of Hockey India, I am pleased to announce a cash award of Rs 50 lakh for the team as a token of our appreciation, and I hope this inspires the players to keep raising the bar."

Team now turns focus to Asian Games

Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh also praised captain Salima Tete and her teammates for their performance against the world’s top teams.

"Salima and her team have done the country proud with a campaign that saw them compete with, and hold their own against, some of the best sides in the world. This announcement is our way of recognising their commitment and hard work, and we hope it further motivates the team as they turn their focus towards the Asian Games."

The World Cup campaign has given Indian women’s hockey a major boost. With a strong fifth-place finish and only one defeat, the team will now look to build on this momentum as it prepares for the Asian Games.