India’s Lacrosse Teams Celebrate Gold Medal Success at Asian Games
New Delhi, March 25: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya honored the Indian men’s and women’s lacrosse teams for their extraordinary achievements at the Asian Lacrosse Games in Riyadh. Both teams clinched gold medals, marking a significant milestone in the history of the sport in India. The minister urged the athletes to maintain their hard work and aim for qualification in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Inspirational Words for Emerging Athletes
During his interaction with the teams, Minister Mandaviya highlighted the importance of dedication, exposure, and consistent effort in emerging sports like lacrosse. He stated, “Lacrosse is an upcoming big sport for India. This was your first major international exposure, and you have already brought home medals. The focus should now be on working harder, gaining more exposure, and making the country proud by aiming for qualification at LA 2028.”
Government Support and Future Plans
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support athletes through various initiatives, particularly the Khelo India program. He emphasized that while support is important, the athletes’ passion and perseverance play crucial roles in their success.
A Historic Performance in Riyadh
India’s remarkable performance at the Asian Lacrosse Games, which took place this February, saw both the men and women’s teams excel in the Sixes format. In the finals, the Indian men triumphed over Iraq while the women’s team defeated Pakistan to secure their gold medals. Notably, the Indian women’s lacrosse team made its international debut in 2024, followed by the men’s team in 2025, making their victories even more impressive.
A Diverse Team Representing India
One of the defining aspects of India’s victory was the diverse representation across the nation, with athletes hailing from various states including Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Looking Ahead: Future Competitions
The Asian Lacrosse Games are organized by the Asia-Pacific Lacrosse Union, aiming to foster competitive pathways in the region leading up to the sport’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The Indian lacrosse teams are set to participate in significant upcoming events, including the 3rd Asian Lacrosse Games in Chengdu, China, in April and the Asia-Pacific Sixes Lacrosse Championships in Australia this October, which will serve as qualification pathways for the LA 2028 Olympics.
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