On a winning streak: Hockey India announces cash incentives for men and women’s teams for every match won

On November 6, Hockey India’s newly appointed president, Padma Shri Dilip Tirkey and Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh announced, what is a historical decision for the national sport. Hockey India, which is the sole body responsible for planning, directing and conducting games for the men’s and women’s team as well as for promoting the national sport, will give a cash reward of ₹ 50,000 to each player on the team, and ₹ 25,000 to each member of the support staff for every game they win.

 

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On the occasion, Dr Dilip Tirkey said, “I strongly believe this announcement will boost the morale of the Indian teams as they prepare for the prestigious Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup scheduled in January 2023 in India, and the Asian Games. While every player in the core group is employed, an incentive like this will attract more youngsters to play hockey." The decision comes in just a few days after BCCI announced equal pay for men and women cricketers and how it aims to support and encourage players who come from difficult financial backgrounds and circumstances.

 

Secretary General Bholanath Singh said, "I believe this is a landmark decision taken by Hockey India. It will not only lift the spirit of the Indian teams to vie harder for victories but will also make young aspiring hockey players believe that hockey can be a financially viable sport. I wish the Indian teams the very best in their endeavours." 

 

On October 30, the governing body also announced a cash award of ₹2 lakhs each to the players and ₹1 lakh to every member of the support staff of the Indian Junior Men’s Team that recently won the 10^th Sultan of Johor Cup.

 

 

The recent initiatives by BCCI and Hockey India are a big step towards encouraging sports not only across the various economic strata of society but also among both men and women in a fair and unbiased manner. Here’s to plenty more of such milestones for Indian sports!