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New Delhi, March 25, 2026 — Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday felicitated India’s men’s and women’s lacrosse teams for their gold medal victories at the Asian Lacrosse Games, urging them to aim for qualification at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Historic Gold Wins for Indian Teams
India delivered an outstanding performance at the Asian Lacrosse Games held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Both the men’s and women’s teams secured gold medals in the Sixes format:
- Men’s team defeated Iraq in the final
- Women’s team triumphed over Pakistan
This marked a major milestone for Indian lacrosse on the international stage.
Focus on LA 2028 Olympics
During his interaction with the players, Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the importance of sustained effort and global exposure.
He said that while the teams have made a strong start, the next goal should be to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Moreover, he highlighted that emerging sports like lacrosse require dedication and continuous improvement.
Government Support Through Khelo India
The minister assured athletes of continued support through initiatives like Khelo India.
However, he stressed that passion, discipline, and perseverance remain the key drivers of success at the global level.
Rapid Rise of Indian Lacrosse
India’s achievement becomes even more remarkable considering:
- Women’s team made its international debut in 2024
- Men’s team followed in 2025
Despite being new entrants, both teams have quickly emerged as strong contenders in the sport.
Diverse Talent Across the Country
The success reflects widespread participation from across India. Players represented multiple states, including:
- Rajasthan
- Maharashtra
- Haryana
- Gujarat
- Tamil Nadu
- Odisha
- Assam
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
- Uttar Pradesh
This diversity highlights the growing popularity of lacrosse nationwide.
Upcoming Tournaments and Qualification Path
Looking ahead, India will compete in:
- 3rd Asian Lacrosse Games in Chengdu (April)
- Asia-Pacific Sixes Championships in Australia (October)
These tournaments will play a crucial role in the qualification pathway for LA 2028.
India’s gold medal sweep at the Asian Lacrosse Games marks a promising beginning for the sport in the country. With strong government support and rising talent, the focus now shifts to achieving Olympic qualification and making history on the global stage.
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