Asian Games 2026: A wait ends, a new era begins - India’s women win hockey gold

Indian players celebrate after scoring against China in the women's hockey gold medal match at the Asian Games. | Photo Credit: AP

India ended a 44-year wait for an Asiad gold in women’s hockey as it stunned defending champion China in the Asian Games 2026 final at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on Friday.

Forward Lalremsiami Hmarzote scored the only goal of the game, in the first quarter, with a Tomahawk shot that slammed into the roof of the net.

Savita Punia ensured India retained the lead into the second break with a stunning Penalty Stroke save. Facing off against China’s Zhang Ying from the spot, Indian goalkeeper dove low to her left to parry away the shot.

Paris Olympics silver medallist China turned up the heat in the second half with intense high-court pressure, forcing India deep into its defensive territory. The Indian defence, though, held on resolutely, repelling multiple attacks and Penalty Corners.

India continued to absorb the pressure in the final quarter, opting to make attacking forays only through counterattacks. China went all in for the last three minutes by taking off goalkeeper Liu Ping for an extra outfield player. But it wasn’t enough as India held onto its clean sheet and secured a historic gold..

The win over China also earned India a direct qualification spot in women’s hockey LA 2028, marking a return to Olympics after missing out in 2024.

Published on Oct 02, 2026

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