Aichi : Indian team rewrote history books on Friday in Japan by ending a 44-year-wait for another Asian Games gold medal in women’s hockey when Salima Tete’s team dethroned defending champions and world No. 4 China 1-0 to become champions for the first time since 1982.
The stars of the match were Lalremsiami, who celebrated her 200th international appearance with the winning goal, and legendary goalkeeper Savita, who saved a penalty stroke.
China began with greater possession and looked to establish control early, but India created the first meaningful opening in the fourth minute. Baljeet Kaur combined with Ishika inside the 23-yard area and moved into the striking circle, but a Chinese defender made a timely flat-stick tackle and snuffed out the opportunity.
China thought they had earned a penalty corner in the seventh minute after one of their players appealed for a foot, but the umpire waved play on. A minute later, India were reduced to 10 players when Baljeet Kaur received a green card and was sent off for two minutes.
Despite being under pressure, India struck in the 10th minute with a superbly constructed move. Salima Tete initiated the attack with a purposeful run before combining with Sakshi Rana inside the circle. Sakshi then found Lalremsiami, who produced a stunning reverse-stick strike from a difficult angle. It flew into the Chinese goal to put India 1-0 ahead.
India had another chance three minutes later when a clever one-two between Baljeet and Navneet Kaur from the right flank opened up the Chinese defence. Navneet opted for her trademark direct hit from the resulting penalty corner, but her effort went just wide.
China continued to enjoy more possession and circle entries, registering eight penetrations compared to India’s four and controlling 55 percent of the ball. However, India’s compact defence ensured Lalremsiami’s strike remained the difference.
China intensified their pressure in the second quarter. In the 19th minute, they earned a penalty corner and tried a variation to set up a first-time deflection, but Indian sticks intervened. Another penalty corner followed, only for Navneet to produce a superb goal-line save.
Two minutes later, China came agonisingly close again. After a dangerous move inside the Indian circle, the umpire awarded a penalty stroke. India did not take a video referral, with Savita in the post to face the challenge. The experienced Savita responded brilliantly, diving to her left to make a stunning save and preserve India’s lead.
China continued to threaten, but India’s defensive organisation remained impressive. In the 24th minute, Shilpi Dabas read the danger perfectly and intercepted a dangerous Chinese move near the goal-mouth while Savita covered the near post.
At half-time, India remained 1-0 ahead despite China continuing to lead the possession and circle-entry statistics.
The third quarter brought another huge moment in the 33rd minute. China won a penalty corner, and after another chance on goal, a penalty stroke was initially awarded when the ball appeared to strike Navneet’s foot. India immediately referred the decision, and the review overturned the penalty stroke, reducing it to a penalty corner. Salima Tete then made another crucial defensive intervention, blocking the flick with her flat stick, although she injured her right hand in the process and left the field for treatment.
China began showing frustration, with loose passes and unforced errors creeping into their game. India, meanwhile, remained resolute, although their midfield movement was not as fluent as in the opening two quarters.
The third quarter ended goalless, with India still ahead 1-0 after 45 minutes. China had increased their circle entries to 21 compared to India’s nine, but the equaliser continued to elude them.
The final quarter saw China throw everything forward as urgency grew with every passing minute. India, however, defended with discipline and composure, absorbing the pressure and protecting their slender advantage.
When the final hooter sounded, India’s 1-0 lead remained intact. Lalremsiami’s stunning strike had made the difference, while the entire Indian defensive unit stood tall under relentless Chinese pressure.
India were crowned Asian Games women’s hockey champions, ending a long wait for gold and securing a memorable triumph through resilience and discipline.
The ticket to the LA 2028 Olympics is booked as well.
