India end 44-year wait for Asian Games hockey gold
India’s women have ended a 44-year wait for Asian Games hockey gold. They beat defending champions China 1-0 in a tense final in Japan.
Lalremsiami scored the only goal in the 10th minute. It came in her 200th international match, and the reverse-stick strike flew into the roof of the net.
Goalkeeper Savita Punia then produced a crucial save from a penalty stroke. India’s defence held firm as China pressed hard in the closing stages, even removing their goalkeeper for an extra outfield player.
It is India’s first women’s hockey gold at the Asian Games since New Delhi 1982. The win also secures a direct berth at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
China arrived as defending champions and Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallists. India had lost the Hangzhou semi-final 4-0 to the same opponents.
Hockey India announced a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh for each player and Rs 5.5 lakh for each support staff member. Four members of the team received a hero’s welcome at Ranchi airport on Sunday.
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