Indian hockey star Lalremsiami on Wednesday said representing the country in Olympics although a “landmark” for her was just the “beginning” in her career as she vowed to strive for winning more laurel for the country as well as Mizoram.
The first female Olympian from Mizoram was accorded a hero’s welcome as she landed at the lone Lengpui airport in Aizawl in the afternoon.
Speaking to reporters after a brief welcome reception at the airport, Lalremsiami said she is determined to scale up the God gifted talent and try her best to win more laurels for the country and her home state.
She thanked the people for their supports and the Mizoram government and other organisations for offering jobs and cash rewards in appreciation of her participation and performance at the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics.
“I am highly indebted to our government for giving me a coveted job to enable me to concentrate on my sports career. But doing a government job or participation at the Olympics is not the end of my career instead it is just the beginning,” she said.
She said she is yet to decide whether or not to join the coveted jobs offered by the state government as she is also currently employed under Indian Railway.
The Mizoram government had recently appointed Lalremsiami as a hockey chief coach, which is Group ‘A’ or gazetted post.
In her relation with teammates, she said they gave her strong support and never discriminate against her.
The 21-year-old star from Kolasib town near the Assam border was given a formal state reception upon her arrival at Lengpui airport.
Her motorcade was escorted by around 200 bikers belonging to Aizawl Thunder, one of the oldest biker associations in the state, from Lengpui airport to Aizawl.
She was greeted and cheered by people all along the way.
The state government will organise an official function at Vanapa Hall in Aizawl on Thursday to felicitate the hockey star.
Chief minister Zoramthanga will also grace the event.
Lalremsiami will leave for her home town Kolasib on Saturday where she will be accorded a warm homecoming ceremony.