Kakamigahara: The Indian women's hockey team ended a 44-year wait for Asian Games gold with a 1-0 victory over defending champions China on Friday, securing a direct berth at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Lalremsiami scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute, marking her 200th international appearance with a powerful reverse-stick strike. India then withstood sustained pressure from China, with veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia making a crucial penalty-stroke save to preserve the lead.
The victory gave India its second Asian Games women's hockey gold after the team won the inaugural women's hockey title in 1982.
India had reached the final twice since then, finishing runners-up in 1998 and 2018 after losing to South Korea and Japan respectively. China, the Paris Olympics silver medallists, took silver, while Japan won bronze after beating South Korea 4-2 in a shootout.
Lalremsiami gives India early lead
China started with greater possession, but India created the first significant opening before Lalremsiami broke the deadlock in the 10th minute.
Sakshi Rana's pass found Lalremsiami inside the circle, and the forward produced a powerful reverse-stick hit that beat the Chinese goalkeeper.
India were reduced to 10 players temporarily after Baljeet Kaur received a green card in the sixth minute, but their defensive organisation prevented China from taking advantage.
China gradually increased the pressure and earned its first penalty corner in the 18th minute. India dealt with the set-piece before another attempt was comfortably handled by Savita.
The biggest chance of the half came in the 24th minute when China were awarded a penalty stroke after Lalremsiami was penalised for an obstruction.
Savita dived to her left and kept out the low attempt, preserving India's 1-0 advantage. Hockey India identified the save as one of the defining moments of the final.
India withstand Chinese pressure
China intensified its attack after the break, repeatedly testing India's defensive structure and earning successive penalty corners.
India's defenders blocked passing lanes and threw themselves in front of attempts as China searched for an equaliser. Captain Salima Tete and the defensive unit repeatedly intervened to prevent clear chances.
As the final entered its closing stages, China withdrew its goalkeeper to add another outfield player and commit more players to attack.
India continued to protect the narrow lead until the final whistle, completing a 1-0 victory and securing the Asian Games title.
The final was delayed by about an hour after traffic disruption caused by an accident affected the team buses. Once play began, Lalremsiami's early strike ultimately proved enough for India.
Direct ticket to Los Angeles Olympics
The Asian Games title also secured India's direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Olympic berth had been a key target for coach Sjoerd Marijne and the team, with the Asian Games serving as the continental qualification route.
The victory also ended India's wait for a women's hockey gold at the Asian Games that had lasted since the 1982 edition in New Delhi.
Hockey India announces cash rewards
Hockey India announced a cash award of Rs 11 lakh for each player and Rs 5.5 lakh for each member of the support staff following the victory.
Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh said the rewards recognised the team's performance in beating the defending champions and Paris Olympics silver medallists.
