India clinch first women's hockey gold since 1982 at Asiad; seal LA28 Olympics spot

India's Neha competes for the ball with China's Fan Yunxia during the women's hockey gold medal match at the Asian Games in Gifu, Japan, Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (AP)

They came close in 1998, then again in 2018, but finished runners-up on both occasions after losing to South Korea and Japan respectively. But the Indian women's hockey team finally made it happen on Friday, defeating China 1-0 in the Asian Games 2026 final to clinch the gold medal in a hard-fought game in Nagoya.It was the women's hockey team's first medal at the continental event since winning their only gold in 1982. India ended a 44-year wait with the win over defending champions China and also secured direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.China made a quick start and entered the Indian circle several times in the opening five minutes. India's defence came under pressure but did not make any mistakes.India then started pressing higher and Lalremsiami put her side ahead in the 10th minute.

She found the roof of the net with a powerful reverse hit to give India a 1-0 lead.

China pushed forward after conceding but India's defence continued to make the tackles and clear the danger. China had most of the possession by the end of the first quarter, but India went into the break with the lead thanks to Lalremsiami.

China were awarded a penalty stroke in the second quarter, but goalkeeper Savita Punia kept India ahead with a stunning one-handed save while diving to her left.

Punia perfectly read Zhang Ying's direction and made the save to her left.Minutes later, in the 28th minute, Navneet won the ball in midfield and dribbled past her marker before looking to pass to the attacker in front of her. However, a Chinese defender blocked the ball to prevent India from creating another chance.India went into half-time leading 1-0.China continued to make regular circle entries in the third and fourth quarters, but India's defence held firm and protected the slender lead.India held on to complete a 1-0 win over China, ending their 44-year wait for an Asian Games gold and sealing direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.