In a historic moment for Indian sports, forward Lalremsiami of the national women's hockey team is set to be honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award. According to sources, the announcement is imminent, and it will make her the first-ever sportsperson from the state of Mizoram to receive this national recognition.
From Thenzawl to Tokyo: The Rise of 'Siami'
Popularly known as 'Siami', Lalremsiami's international journey began in 2017 with her senior debut during a Test series against Belarus. Since that pivotal moment, her career has been on a remarkable upward trajectory. The statistics speak volumes: 177 international matches and 67 goals for the country. Her career reached a zenith at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where she was part of the Indian squad that made a historic run to the semifinals under coach Sjoerd Marijne.
This Olympic achievement was bittersweet. Her late father had dreamt of seeing her compete on the Olympic stage but passed away in 2019 while she was playing at the Hockey Series Finals in Hiroshima. Displaying immense fortitude, Siami continued in the tournament and later fulfilled a shared dream in Tokyo, also becoming the first woman athlete from Mizoram to compete at the Olympic Games.
A Trophy Cabinet of Grit and Glory
Lalremsiami's contributions to Indian hockey extend far beyond the Olympics. Her medal haul is impressive and testament to her consistent performance:
- Bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
- Silver and bronze medals at the Asian Games.
- Represented India in two World Cups.
Her excellence was evident early on. As a junior player, she won a silver medal at the 3rd Youth Olympic Games in 2018 and was crowned the FIH Rising Star of the Year in 2019.
Roots, Resilience, and Giving Back
Behind every champion is a support system, and for Siami, it began with coach Miss Btei at the SAI Hockey Centre in Thenzawl, Mizoram. This foundational training was later honed at the National Hockey Academy in New Delhi. Today, when she is not training with the national team in Bengaluru or playing for the Shrachi Bengal Tigers in the Women's Hockey India League, she dedicates time to her community. She actively trains children in Mizoram, passing on her knowledge and inspiring the next generation.
While her club ambitions are high, her primary focus remains firmly on the national team. The immediate goal is clear: to help India win the qualifiers in March and secure a spot at the World Cup. The impending Arjuna Award is not just a personal accolade for Lalremsiami; it is a landmark moment for Mizoram and a celebration of perseverance, skill, and an unyielding spirit in Indian sports.
