New Delhi, March 25: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday congratulated India’s men’s and women’s lacrosse teams for their outstanding performance at the Asian Lacrosse Games and encouraged them to set their sights on qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The Minister felicitated the players following their historic achievement, where both teams clinched gold medals in the Sixes format at the tournament held in Riyadh earlier this year. The Indian men’s team emerged victorious against Iraq in the final, while the women’s team secured gold after defeating Pakistan.
GGW7.jpeg)
Focus on Future Goals
Interacting with the athletes, Mandaviya highlighted the importance of persistence, exposure, and discipline in building success in emerging sports like lacrosse. He noted that while the recent victories are commendable, the next step should be to prepare for global competition.
He emphasized that consistent training and international exposure will be critical for achieving the larger goal of Olympic qualification. The Minister also reiterated that government initiatives like Khelo India will continue to provide support to athletes across disciplines.
A Historic Achievement for Indian Lacrosse
India’s performance at the Asian Lacrosse Games marks a significant milestone for the sport in the country. Both teams delivered dominant displays throughout the tournament, showcasing strong coordination, skill, and determination.
What makes the achievement even more remarkable is the relatively recent entry of Indian teams into the international lacrosse arena. The women’s team made its debut in 2024, followed by the men’s team in 2025. Despite being newcomers, both teams managed to outperform experienced opponents and secure top honours.
Diverse Talent from Across India
Another highlight of India’s success was the wide representation of players from different regions of the country. Athletes from states such as Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh were part of the victorious squads.
This diversity reflects the growing reach of lacrosse in India and the increasing participation in non-traditional sports.
Road Ahead: Key International Tournaments
Looking ahead, the Indian lacrosse teams are preparing for upcoming international competitions that will play a crucial role in their Olympic journey.
Their next major assignments include:
- The 3rd Asian Lacrosse Games in Chengdu, China
- The Asia-Pacific Sixes Lacrosse Championships in Australia later this year
These tournaments are expected to serve as key qualification pathways for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
SIH8.jpeg)
Boost for Emerging Sports in India
The Minister’s interaction with the players reflects the government’s increasing focus on promoting emerging sports in India. With initiatives like Khelo India, athletes are receiving better infrastructure, training facilities, and international exposure.
Mandaviya stressed that while institutional support is important, the determination and dedication of athletes remain the driving force behind success.
Conclusion
India’s double gold victory at the Asian Lacrosse Games signals a promising future for the sport in the country. With growing support, rising talent, and a clear roadmap ahead, the Indian lacrosse teams now have their eyes firmly set on making history at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
