PM Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu Congratulate Indian Women's Hockey Team On Historic Asiad Gold

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated India's women's hockey team© Getty, PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated the Indian women's hockey team on winning a historic gold in the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya, which ended a 44-year wait for the yellow metal for the country in the continental extravaganza. This 1-0 win over China in the final also sealed the Indian women's hockey team a direct berth in the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028. "A very special moment for Indian Hockey!," the PM wrote in his post on X. "The people of India are rejoicing in the success of the Women's Hockey Team, who bring home the coveted Gold at the Asian Games, and that too after over 4 decades. This is the result of outstanding skills and teamwork. Their determination is very inspiring as well. My best wishes to the team for their upcoming endeavours," wrote PM Modi in the post on X put out by the PMO.

"May this success contribute to Hockey's popularity across the nation," PM Narendra Modi wished.

Lalremsiami scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute with a powerful reverse-hit finish as India held their nerve under sustained Chinese pressure to reclaim the continental crown for the first time since 1982.

The goal came at the end of a well-crafted attacking move, with Salima Tete providing a precise pass into the circle before Sakshi delivered the ball to Lalremsiami, who unleashed a fierce reverse-hit that flew into the roof of the net, leaving the Chinese goalkeeper with no chance.

The Indian team then bravely thwarted numerous attempts at the goal by China and maintained its advantage till the end of the match to secure a memorable win over a rival that had got the better of them in the last couple of matches, including an encounter at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh too was effusive in his praise for the women's hockey team and called the triumph a "golden chapter in Indian women's hockey!"

"A golden chapter in Indian women's hockey!

"Congratulations to our women's hockey team on a hard-fought victory to win the Asian Games Gold Medal. Lalremsiami Hmarzote's decisive strike and Savita Punia's crucial penalty-stroke save reflected the skill, composure and fighting spirit of a team that stood firm when it mattered most," Rajnath Singh wrote in his post on X.

"After 44 years, India has reclaimed the Asian Games women's hockey title. This historic triumph will inspire generations to carry the Indian hockey legacy forward with renewed ambition.

"My best wishes to the entire team for the journey ahead," he wrote.

The year 2026 has been a great one for the Indian women's hockey team, which secured its best finish in a World Cup by claiming fifth place in the 2026 edition held a couple of months back in Belgium and the Netherlands.

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday congratulated the Indian women's hockey team for their 'magnificent gold medal triumph' at the ongoing Asian Games 2026, saying their achievement and direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics made the victory even more special.

The Indian women's team defeated defending champions China 1-0 in the final at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium to win the Asian Games gold for the first time since 1982 and end a 44-year wait for the continental title.

“Heartiest congratulations to the Indian Women's Hockey Team on a magnificent gold medal triumph at the Asian Games 2026!” President Murmu wrote in a post on X.

“After a long wait, the Gold returns to India through your determination, skill and spirited play, bringing immense pride and joy to the entire nation. Securing direct qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games makes this victory even more special,” she added.

President Murmu also highlighted the team's impact on young athletes across the country. “You are an inspiration to countless young girls across the country. My warmest wishes to each one of you for the journey ahead!” she wrote.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Featured Video Of The Day

India Ends CWG Boxing Campaign With Record-Breaking Seven Gold Medals