KOLKATA: Lalremsiami Hmarzote’s thoughts drifted to her late father as thousands lined the streets of Mizoram to celebrate India’s historic women’s hockey gold medal at the Asian Games.“I know he would be proud of me and is watching me from heaven,” the forward told TOI, reflecting on a campaign that saw her score seven goals, including the lone strike in the final against China, as India ended a 44-year wait for Asian Games gold and sealed qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics.The reception back home was overwhelming for the Mizo star, who returned to a heroine’s welcome after playing a key role in India’s triumphant run.“The whole of Mizoram celebrated with us. The chief minister, sports minister and so many people came out to welcome us. When we arrived at the airport, there was a grand reception and everyone made us feel very special,” Lalremsiami said.The roadshow through her hometown of Kolasib, 85km north of the state capital, Aizawl, lined with cheering crowds and children eager to catch a glimpse of their sporting hero, left a deep impression on her. “Many children and young people came up to meet me and told me they were inspired by what we had achieved. That made me very happy because if our success can motivate someone to take up sports, then it means a lot,” she said.While the celebrations were memorable, the Asian Games final remains the defining moment of her career, which began with her India debut in 2017. The occasion carried added significance as it was her 200th international match, and she admitted the pressure before the game was unlike anything she had experienced.“I was extremely nervous. It was my 200th match, it was the final, and we knew that if we won, we would make history after 44 years and qualify for the LA Olympics,” she said.“I prayed before the match and asked God to help me. Once the game started, I was able to play freely. To score the goal and help my team and my country win the gold medal was simply amazing. It is a moment I will never forget.”While many people have supported her journey, much of her motivation, she says, came from her father, who backed her hockey dreams from the very beginning before passing away in 2019.“My father played a very important role in my career and in my life. He was the one who inspired me and supported me when I was young and just starting hockey. He always believed in me and stood by me every step of the way,” she said. “He is not with us anymore, but the things he told me are still alive inside me. I know he would be proud of me today.”Lalremsiami also credited the team’s unity, coach Sjoerd Marijne and the support staff for a remarkable run this year that included World Cup qualification, Nations Cup success, a fifth-place finish at the World Cup and Asian Games gold.“We have gone through a lot of struggles over the years. Our unity within the group has been one of our biggest strengths. Success is not just about the players on the field. It is about the whole team working together,” she said.The 26-year-old was also part of the Indian side that registered the country’s best Women’s World Cup finish in 52 years. But the focus has already shifted to the Los Angeles Olympics, now less than two years away, and the forward believes India must continue to improve despite becoming Asian champions.“We have one dream now. We want to do well at the World Cup and win an Olympic medal. We know it will be very challenging, but we are ready for it,” she said.Even as she dreams of an Olympic podium finish, Lalremsiami hopes to see more girls from Mizoram take up the sport that has given her everything. While the challenges remain, she urged youngsters not to let those limitations hold them back.“My message to young girls is simple: keep dreaming and keep believing in yourselves. There is a lot of talent in Mizoram. I hope we get more grounds, more academies and better facilities in the future so that more children get the opportunity to play hockey and follow their dreams.”