Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described both the men's and women's hockey squads as figures younger generations could look up to, offering his assessment of the teams following their gold medal performances at the 2026 Asian Games. Both Harmanpreet Singh and Salima Tete, who captain their respective sides, conveyed appreciation for the backing provided by the government.

A ceremony held on Friday brought Chief Minister Majhi and Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj together to honour the two squads, with a cash award of Rs 11 lakh distributed to every player in acknowledgement of their performance. Speaking to members of the press, Majhi extended congratulations to the teams for their Asian Games gold medals and for securing berths at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, describing both outcomes as a matter of national pride.

Addressing the gathering, Majhi described the gold-medal performances by both the men's and women's hockey squads at the Asian Games as a source of national pride, noting that the results had also earned each team a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

A team official expressed confidence in the players' prospects ahead of an international tournament, citing public support and spiritual goodwill. That assessment drew some validation when the men's side claimed the continental championship, defeating Malaysia 5-1 in the final to retain gold for a second consecutive edition of the event.

A goal from Lalremsiami in the 10th minute — her strike beating China's goalkeeper to deliver a 1-0 win in the final — ended a 44-year absence of Asian Games podium success for the women's side. The gold medal collected by India's women's hockey team at the Asian Games had not come to the country in that event since 1982.

Harmanpreet Singh expressed pleasure at the outcome, noting that both the men's and women's teams had secured gold medals and earned direct qualification for the Olympics. Tete noted that the Odisha government's backing and hospitality had been a source of encouragement, adding that such recognition drives the squad to raise its level of play.

Her remarks extended to the Odisha government, with Tete expressing gratitude for the reception the state has consistently offered athletes returning home with medals, describing that recognition as an ongoing push to sustain performance levels. The squads noted that returning to Odisha brings a sense of connection and that the warmth extended by people there continues to be appreciated.

Tirkey, who serves as Hockey India president, conveyed gratitude to the Odisha government for its sustained backing of the national hockey programme and for the reception arranged for both squads. A team statement indicated that players would aim to deliver strong results at the Olympics and looked forward to continued support.

Tirkey noted that both the men's and women's squads returned home carrying gold medals and that Odisha's state administration arranged a formal reception in their honour. He described Odisha as a long-standing supporter of Indian hockey, expressing gratitude for that partnership and a desire to see Hockey India and the Odisha government carry the collaboration forward. Government assistance, according to available records, has been extended on each occasion that support was sought.