Small town girl from Mizoram helped India defeat Australia at Tokyo Olympics

Mizoram government's Rs 25 lakh grant to Lalremsiami Hmar after she made it to India's World Cup squad in 2018 had helped the family buy land and build a new house, writes ETV Bharat Senior Correspondent Gautam Debroy.

Kolasib (Mizoram): The 21-year old Lalremsiami who hails from a small town (Kolasib) in Mizoram played a crucial role as India defeated giant Australia (1-0) at the Tokyo Olympics on Monday. "It was a dream come for my entire family as well as my sister," said Lalremsiami's sister Lalhmunsiami. She added that it was really a tense moment for her and her family as India was playing the quarter final against Australia. "But the moment India scored a goal and entered into the semis, we were very very excited," said Lalhmunsiami.

Lalremsiami was a forward player in the team and was representing India in the 2019 Asia Cup hockey, when her father had expired in 2019. Following India's victory against Australia, ETV Bharat interacted with the proud family members of the hockey star at Kolasib around 77 km from Aizwal (capital of Mizoram). Her family members are jhum cultivators (slash-and-burn).

Certificate awarded to Lalremsiami Hmar

Earlier, the Mizoram government's Rs 25 lakh grant to Lalremsiami after she had made it to India's World Cup squad in 2018, helped the family buy a land and build a new house. As Lalremsiami started shinning in hockey, her family members living in a humble house with three rooms are now expecting a better way of life.

It is known that Lalremsiami became the first sportsperson from Mizoram to win an Asian medal after India had won the silver and her dedication to the game of hockey and her successes were hailed in India's northeast, particularly wherein there is big money, the only way to ensure a decent future is other sports like football, hockey, weightlifting and boxing.

It may be mentioned here that Mirabai Chanu from Manipur, and Lovelina Borgohain from Assam already scripted history in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics. Chanu bagged the Silver medal in 49 kg category of weightlifting whereas Borhgohain had defeated her opponent to enter into semis.

The success and laurels achieved by Lalremsiami is definitely going to inspire many others in this landlocked northeastern States. "I believe my sister's success will definitely inspire others," said Lalremsiami's sister Lalhmunsiami.