India Beat China 1-0 To Win Asian Games Women's Hockey Gold After 44 Years, Book LA 2028 Spot

Published: October 3, 2026, 9:04 AM IST | Updated: October 3, 2026, 4:32 PM IST
Written by Akash Saha | Edited and fact-checked by Amit Saha | Editorial policy

India’s women’s hockey team are Asian Games champions for the first time in 44 years. Salima Tete’s side beat defending champions China 1-0 in the gold-medal match at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on Friday, October 2, 2026, with Lalremsiami scoring the only goal in the 10th minute. The win also gives India a direct place in the women’s hockey tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

An early goal and a long defensive shift

India struck first and then spent the rest of the match protecting the lead. Lalremsiami found the net with a powerful strike in the opening quarter, and that goal turned out to be enough to decide the title.

China, the reigning champions, kept pressing for an equaliser. Their best chance came from a penalty stroke, but experienced goalkeeper Savita Punia kept it out, a save that proved as valuable as the goal at the other end.

In the closing stages China withdrew their goalkeeper for an extra outfield player, but India’s defence held firm until the final hooter to complete the win.

Ending a wait that began in 1982

India’s only previous Asian Games gold in women’s hockey came in 1982, when the Games were held in New Delhi. Four decades on, this group has finally matched that achievement on foreign soil.

The title is a major result for head coach Sjoerd Marijne. India reached the final by beating South Korea 2-0 in the semi-final, a match we covered in our report on India’s semi-final win over South Korea.

Key numbers

Result: India 1-0 China (Lalremsiami, 10th minute)
India’s second Asian Games women’s hockey gold, after 1982
Reward: direct qualification for the LA 2028 Olympics
Captain: Salima Tete; head coach: Sjoerd Marijne

Why the Olympic spot matters

The Asian Games winner earns a direct ticket to the next Olympics, which spares India a qualifying tournament. With almost two years to go before Los Angeles, Marijne’s squad can now plan its build-up without the pressure of a last-chance event.

The gold adds to a strong final week for India in Aichi-Nagoya, which has also brought titles in boxing for Lovlina Borgohain and in wrestling. The men’s team also reached their own final after a late 4-3 semi-final win over Pakistan. You can also track India’s medal tally and athletics results from the Games. Follow all our coverage in the Hockey section.