Lalremsiami accorded hero’s welcome at home in Mizoram

Team India’s striker Lalremsiami who became the centre point of discussion after deciding to stay back and play for her team in Japan was accorded a hero’s welcome when she reached her home on Tuesday. It was on June 21, when Lalremsiami got the news of her father’s demise due to a heart attack while she was preparing for the team’s semifinal match against Chile scheduled the next day. But she decided to stay back with the team so that she can help the team win the series. India defeated Chile in the semi-finals and then Japan 3-1 in the finals to clinch the FIH Women's Series Finals on June 23 in Hiroshima.

“I want to make my father proud. I want to stay, play and make sure India qualifies for the final,” this is what she told the team coach just after the shocking news.

Hundreds of people arrived to welcome her

She was surprised to see a huge gathering at her home place at Kolasib which is around 78-kilometre from the state capital Aizawl, but takes around three hours due to the hilly terrain. https://twitter.com/TheBridge_IN/status/1143526086547922945 She got emotional and was overwhelmed seeing the presence of the well wishers including the Deputy Commisioner and all the heads of the districts besides the local leaders at her residence. She thanked everyone who supported her and her family in this hard time even when she was abroad. The 19-year old forward also appreciated the role of Mizoram Hockey Association and Sports Council for standing behind her. https://twitter.com/TheBridge_IN/status/1143545818453909506 Earlier, the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports (independent charge), Kiren Rijiju lauded Lalremsiami and shared a special post about her father’s death on his official Twitter handle. “Indian women hockey player Lalremsiami's father expired when India was to play a crucial semifinal at Hiroshima that would determine if India's Olympics dream would be alive. She told coach, 'I want to make my father proud. I want to stay, play and make sure India qualifies', Rijiju tweeted on June 23. Captain Rani Rampal has also showered praise for the young forward and had said the team was determined to win the tournament for her.