India’s women’s hockey team defeated defending champions China 1-0 in the Asian Games 2026 final on Friday, ending a 44-year wait for the continental title and securing direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The victory at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium gave India only its second Asian Games women’s hockey gold, after the 1982 triumph in New Delhi.
Lalremsiami scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute, converting a flowing move involving Salima Tete and Sakshi with a powerful reverse hit. India then defended its narrow lead throughout the second half, with veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia producing a crucial one-handed save from a penalty stroke to prevent China from equalising.
The win completed a dominant campaign in which India won all four Pool A matches before defeating Japan 7-2 in the semi-final. Along with the gold medal, the result secured India’s place at the 2028 Olympic Games.
President Droupadi Murmu congratulated the team on X, describing the victory as a “magnificent gold medal triumph.” She said the players’ determination, skill and spirited play had brought “immense pride and joy to the entire nation,” while direct Olympic qualification made the achievement even more special.
“You are an inspiration to countless young girls across the country. My warmest wishes to each one of you for the journey ahead,” Murmu wrote.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/asian-games-president-murmu-hails-womens-hockey-teams-magnificent-gold-medal-triumph
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Publish Date: 2026-10-02 21:20:00
