India women's hockey team wins Asian Games 2026 gold, first since 1982
India beat defending champions China 1-0 in the Asian Games 2026 women's hockey final on 2 October 2026 to win gold after 44 years and qualify directly for the LA 2028 Olympics.
Summary
The Indian women's hockey team, captained by Salima Tete, beat defending champions China 1-0 in the final of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, played at Kakamigahara (Gifu), Japan. Lalremsiami scored the only goal in the first quarter (10th minute) in her 200th international match, and goalkeeper Savita saved a penalty stroke. It is India's second Asian Games gold in women's hockey and the first since 1982. The win also gives India direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Key facts
- Event
- 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026 (Japan)
- Final
- India 1-0 China
- Venue
- Kakamigahara, Gifu (Japan)
- Captain
- Salima Tete
- Goal
- Lalremsiami (10th minute, 200th international match)
- Previous gold
- 1982 (gap of 44 years)
- Result
- Direct qualification for LA 2028 Olympics
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Which team did India defeat in the women's hockey final of the Asian Games 2026?
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Correct answer: C — China
India beat defending champions China 1-0 in the final on 2 October 2026.
Before 2026, in which year did India last win Asian Games gold in women's hockey?
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Correct answer: B — 1982
The 2026 gold ended a 44-year wait; India's previous women's hockey gold at the Asian Games came in 1982.
Who scored the only goal for India in the Asian Games 2026 women's hockey final?
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Correct answer: C — Lalremsiami
Lalremsiami scored in the first quarter (10th minute) in her 200th international match; Savita saved a penalty stroke.
The 20th Asian Games (2026) are hosted by which country?
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Correct answer: C — Japan
The 20th Asian Games are Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Japan; the hockey final was played at Kakamigahara, Gifu.