India women’s hockey captain Salima Tete said the team “deserved this victory” after India defeated defending champions China 1-0 to claim the Asian Games 2026 gold medal. Tete said the players entered the final with complete confidence despite knowing China would provide a formidable challenge.

The victory was particularly significant because it ended India’s 44-year wait for an Asian Games women’s hockey gold. India’s previous title came in 1982. The triumph also secured direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, giving the team another major reason to celebrate.

India Displays Courage To Overcome China Challenge

India maintained its defensive discipline after Lalremsiami scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute with a powerful reverse-stick strike. China increased the pressure, but goalkeeper Savita produced a crucial penalty-stroke save to preserve India’s advantage. Captain Salima Tete expressed pride in the team’s ability to protect the one-goal lead, highlighting the confidence, resilience and determination shown against a strong Chinese side until the final whistle.

Deepika Soreng said the players had worked extensively for the Asian Games and acknowledged how difficult it was to defend such a narrow lead against China. Nikki Pradhan said the team would now turn its attention towards the Olympics and work on correcting its shortcomings before LA 2028. For Indian women’s hockey, the gold represents both a historic achievement and an important step towards the next Olympic Games. After reclaiming the Asian Games title following more than four decades, Tete and her teammates can now prepare for Los Angeles with qualification already secured.