The Indian women’s hockey team finally won the gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 on Friday ending a long wait. After 44 years, India etched the top spot in women’s hockey.
In a closely contested final against China, India held on to their close 1-0 lead throughout the game to secure the top podium finish. The only goal of the match came in the 10th minute, with Lalremsiami finding the back of the net.
With this victory, India also secured direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
India vs China Women’s Hockey Final: Match Details
The first and only goal of match came in the first quarter, with Lalremsiami scoring for India. India then held their lead throughout the match. In the next three quarters, China tried to score and find a way through the Indian goalkeeper, but they could not convert their opportunities.
At one moment, China were awarded a penalty stroke, but a successful review from India turned it into a penalty corner, giving the Indian team a huge sigh of relief. In the last moments, China were really attacking, especially in the fourth quarter, but the Indian players and defence made sure that India go out with happy faces.
As soon as the match ended, the Indian team and the crowd celebrated in joy as the historic moment came after a long wait.
India dominated 52% of possession and earned five penalty corners. Both teams also received one green card each.
Match Result & Quarter Breakdown
|
Team
|
Q1
|
Q2 (Halftime)
|
Q3
|
Q4 (Full Time)
|
Final Score
|
|
CHN (People's Republic of China)
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
IND (India)
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
Match Statistics
|
Metric
|
China
|
India
|
|
Possession
|
52%
|
48%
|
|
Penalty Corners
|
5
|
1
|
|
Green Cards
|
1
|
1
|
|
Yellow Cards
|
0
|
0
|
|
Red Cards
|
0
|
0
|
|
Video Team Referrals
|
0
|
0
|
India Women’s Hockey Journey in Asian Games 2026
|
Stage
|
Opponent
|
Result
|
Score
|
|
Pool Match 1
|
Uzbekistan
|
Won
|
19–0
|
|
Pool Match 2
|
Indonesia
|
Won
|
17–1
|
|
Pool Match 3
|
Thailand
|
Won
|
20–1
|
|
Pool Match 4
|
Japan
|
Won
|
3–1
|
|
Pool Match 5
|
Singapore
|
Won
|
7–0
|
|
Semi-Final
|
South Korea
|
Won
|
2–0
|
|
Final
|
China
|
Won
|
1–0
|
The Indian women’s hockey team have achieved several remarkable milestones over the years. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, they stunned everyone by finishing fourth, narrowly missing out on the bronze medal after a closely contested match against Australia
Since then, they have continued to impress, winning several Asian trophies and an FIH Nations Cup title as well. At the last Asian Games 2022, India won the bronze medal.