Daijiworld Media Network - Nagoya
Nagoya, Oct 2: The Indian women’s hockey team defeated China 1-0 to win the gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya on Friday, securing a berth at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The victory marked India’s first Asian Games women’s hockey gold since 1982, when the Games were held in New Delhi. The result also came against a China side that had won the silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Lalremsiami, who was recently honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award, scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute. An excellent reverse pass found an unmarked Lalremsiami in front of the goal, and the Mizoram player finished clinically to put India ahead.
China came close to equalising in the second quarter after being awarded a penalty stroke. However, experienced Indian goalkeeper Savita Punia produced a crucial save, diving to her left to deny Ying Zhang.
India maintained 52 per cent possession and created more scoring opportunities during the contest. The Indian team earned five penalty corners compared to China’s one, although none of the opportunities resulted in a goal.
India held on to their narrow lead through the remainder of the match to clinch the gold medal and book their place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.