Hockey India has announced a cash award of ₹50 lakh for the Indian women's hockey team following their best World Cup performance in 52 years.

Hockey India has announced a cash reward of ₹50 lakh for the Indian women's hockey team to recognize their historic fifth-place finish at the FIH Hockey World Cup.

Led by Salima Tete, the squad secured the milestone with a 3-1 victory over World No. 5 Germany in the 5th/6th place classification match in Amstelveen on August 27. The result marks India's best placement at the tournament since finishing fourth at the inaugural edition in 1974.

Under Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne, the team endured just a single defeat throughout their World Cup campaign. They registered a 6-1 victory over South Africa, earned draws against higher-ranked opponents China, England, and Australia, and finished their run with the win against Germany.

Congratulating the team, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey lauded the squad's achievement.

"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," Tirkey said.

"On behalf of Hockey India, I am pleased to announce a cash award of ₹50 lakh for the team as a token of our appreciation, and I hope this inspires the players to keep raising the bar," he added.

Reporting sourced from The Hindu Hockey. Photo courtesy The Hindu Hockey.