Manipur hockey players Sushila, Bichu Devi receive grand welcome after Asian Games gold

Manipur hockey players Pukhrambam Sushila and Bichu Devi Kharibam, members of the Indian women’s hockey team that won the gold medal at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, were accorded a warm reception at Imphal International Airport on their return to the state.

Family members, well-wishers and members of Hockey Manipur gathered at the airport to welcome the two players after the Indian women’s hockey team secured the Asian Games gold medal, ending a 44-year wait for the top prize in the competition.

Sushila’s mother, Pukhrambam Lata Devi, said the team’s gold medal was a moment of immense pride for the family.

“I am extremely happy that my daughter’s team won the gold this time. This is the first time the Indian women’s hockey team has won the Asian Games gold. They have won silver and bronze medals in the past, but the gold is a first,” she said.

Lata Devi credited the support and blessings of the family for helping Sushila reach the international level and continue her hockey career.

Sushila, who hails from Hijam Dewan Leikai in Thangmeiband, Imphal West, said winning the Asian Games gold after 44 years was a significant achievement for the team.

She said the medal was the result of the collective efforts of her family, coaches, well-wishers and supporters from Manipur and across India.

On hockey infrastructure, Sushila said the sport had received better support and facilities at the national level but more infrastructure was required in Manipur to encourage young players.

“Apart from Khuman Lampak Main Stadium and the SAI Sports Complex, there are very few grounds. If there were more hockey complexes, the number of players from Manipur could increase,” she said.

Sushila also urged young athletes not to give up on their goals. Recalling her own career, she said she had continued playing despite sustaining injuries on three occasions.

Bichu Devi Kharibam, who hails from Charangpat in Thoubal district, said the team’s success was the outcome of nearly six months of intensive and rigorous training.

She said defeating China in the Asian Games and securing qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics were major achievements for the team.

“Defeating China and qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games was not easy. The entire team is proud and happy with the gold medal,” Bichu said.

She added that the team’s focus would now shift towards the Olympics, although it would participate in several tournaments in the run-up to the Games.

Bichu’s mother, Ibema, said there had been occasions when her daughter considered giving up hockey after facing setbacks and difficult moments.

“She would sometimes feel low and think of giving up. As a mother, I always encouraged her to continue,” she said.

Ibema said seeing the Indian team win the gold made her feel that her daughter’s hard work and dedication had paid off.

The Asian Games gold also secured the Indian women’s hockey team a berth at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.