Aizawl: Indian women’s hockey team forward Lalremsiami delivered a standout performance as India defeated hosts New Zealand 2-0 in the final to win the FIH Women’s Nations Cup in Auckland on Sunday.
The Mizo hockey star was named Player of the Match as India secured its second Nations Cup title and earned promotion to next season’s FIH Women’s Pro League, the highest level of international league competition in women’s hockey.
India took an early lead through Navneet Kaur in the fourth minute before Sunelita Toppo doubled the advantage in the 15th minute. The team then produced a disciplined defensive display to keep New Zealand at bay and seal the title.
Lalremsiami’s latest achievement adds another chapter to a career marked by perseverance, personal sacrifice and international success.
In a recent interview with Sportstar, the 26-year-old reflected on the role her mother, Lalzarmawii, has played throughout her journey.
“She has never seen me play live, she has only seen me on TV. Sometimes, even that is not possible, as not everything is televised in hockey,” Lalremsiami said.
Despite never watching her daughter play from the stands, Lalzarmawii has remained one of her strongest supporters.
Congratulating the Indian team on its triumph, Mizoram Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said the victory was a proud moment for both the nation and the state.
In a post on Instagram, Hmar singled out Lalremsiami and fellow Mizo player Lalthantluangi for their contribution to India’s success.
“I am especially proud of Mizoram’s own Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi, whose contributions have helped India achieve this historic success. Remsiami was awarded Player of the Match for her outstanding performance in the final,” he said.
The minister added that the victory reinforced hockey’s importance under the state’s “Empowering Mizoram Sports” initiative and highlighted the potential of Mizo athletes as Mizoram works towards its long-term Olympic aspirations.
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