India end 44-year wait for Asian Games women’s hockey gold

By Asia Samachar  | Hockey |

India ended a 44-year wait for the Asian Games women’s hockey title after defeating defending champions China 1-0 in a gripping final in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Friday (Oct 2).

Forward Lalremsiami scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute, marking her 200th senior international appearance for India in memorable fashion. She fired a powerful reverse-stick shot into the roof of the net after India worked the ball into the circle.

China, ranked fourth in the world, responded with sustained pressure but India’s defence held firm. Goalkeeper Savita Punia produced one of the defining moments of the final when she made a one-handed save from a Chinese penalty stroke in the second quarter to preserve India’s slender advantage.

The victory delivered India only their second Asian Games gold medal in women’s hockey, following their previous triumph at the 1982 Games in New Delhi. It also dethroned China, who had won the title at Hangzhou 2022.

More significantly, the continental crown secured India direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Under the Olympic qualification system, the highest-placed eligible women’s team at the Asian Games earns an Olympic quota place.

India’s golden campaign was also powered by Deepika Sehrawat, who finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with 21 goals. The drag-flick specialist had already accumulated all 21 during the pool stage, including nine against Thailand and eight against Uzbekistan.

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