The Indian women’s hockey team scripted history at the 2026 Asian Games, ending a 44-year wait for the gold medal with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over hosts China at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium. The triumph also secured India’s qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Ranked eighth in the world, India produced a disciplined performance against fourth-ranked China in a tense final. Lalremsiami emerged as the match-winner, finding the net in the 10th minute from open play to give India the decisive lead.
Indian Hockey Team after clinching Gold
The goal came on a landmark occasion for the forward, who was making her 200th appearance in national colours. Since making her international debut in 2017, Lalremsiami has established herself as an important member of the Indian side. Her latest strike proved decisive as India secured a historic Asian Games triumph.
The gold also completed a unique medal collection for Lalremsiami at the continental event, with the forward now having won a gold, silver and bronze across her Asian Games appearances.
India’s second women’s hockey gold
India’s victory marked only the second time the women’s hockey team has won gold at the Asian Games. Their previous triumph came in 1982, when Delhi hosted the continental multi-sport extravaganza.
The team followed that success with a bronze medal in 1986 before claiming silver in 1998. India then secured bronze medals in 2006 and 2014, followed by another silver in 2018 and bronze at the 2023 Asian Games.
A still from the match
The latest victory therefore marks a significant return to the top of the Asian Games podium for the Indian women’s hockey team.
Men’s team eyeing another gold
India’s men’s hockey team will now look to complete a golden double when it takes on Malaysia in the men’s final on Saturday, October 3.
The defending champions booked their place in the title clash after edging Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling semi-final. India had defeated Japan in the 2023 Asian Games final to claim the gold medal.
The men’s team will now have an opportunity to retain its continental title and add another gold to India’s growing medal tally.
India’s medal haul continues to grow
India’s gold rush has extended beyond hockey, with the country’s athletes producing a string of strong performances at the ongoing Games.
Indian women's hockey team defeats China
Boxer Ankush won gold in the men’s 80kg category on Friday, while Parveen Hooda staged a remarkable comeback in the final to defeat Chinese Taipei’s Chen Nien-Chen 3-2 and claim another boxing gold. Wrestler Sujeet Kalkal also ended India’s wait for a wrestling gold by winning the men’s 65kg final.
With 76 medals already secured at the ongoing Asian Games, India’s campaign continues to gather momentum as the competition enters its decisive stages.