New Delhi, October 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated the Indian women’s hockey team for winning a historic gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya, ending the country’s 44-year wait for the continental title and securing direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
India defeated China 1-0 in a fiercely contested final to reclaim the women’s hockey crown for the first time since 1982. The triumph also marked a significant milestone for Indian hockey, with the team overcoming a formidable opponent to secure its place at the next Olympic Games.
Congratulating the players, Modi described the victory as a special moment for Indian hockey and praised the team’s skill, teamwork and determination.
“A very special moment for Indian Hockey!” the Prime Minister wrote in a post on X.
“The people of India are rejoicing in the success of the Women’s Hockey Team, who bring home the coveted Gold at the Asian Games, and that too after over 4 decades. This is the result of outstanding skills and teamwork. Their determination is very inspiring as well. My best wishes to the team for their upcoming endeavours,” he said.
Modi also expressed hope that the historic achievement would help increase the popularity of hockey across the country.
India’s decisive moment in the final came in the 10th minute when Lalremsiami scored a spectacular goal with a powerful reverse-hit finish. The goal followed a well-coordinated attacking move, with captain Salima Tete delivering a precise pass into the circle before Sakshi set up Lalremsiami for the decisive strike.
Her powerful effort flew into the roof of the net, leaving the Chinese goalkeeper with little chance of making a save.
China responded with sustained attacking pressure in an attempt to level the score, but India’s defence remained resolute throughout the contest. Goalkeeper Savita Punia played a crucial role, including making a vital penalty-stroke save, as India preserved its narrow advantage until the final whistle.
The victory was particularly significant given China’s recent results against India, including their encounters in the lead-up to the final and at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also congratulated the team, describing the triumph as a “golden chapter in Indian women’s hockey”.
In a post on X, Singh praised Lalremsiami’s decisive strike and Savita Punia’s crucial penalty-stroke save, highlighting the team’s composure, skill and fighting spirit under pressure.
He noted that India’s return to the Asian Games women’s hockey summit after 44 years would inspire future generations to carry forward the country’s hockey legacy with renewed ambition.
The gold medal adds to an encouraging year for Indian women’s hockey. The team recorded its best-ever finish at the 2026 World Cup, securing fifth place in the tournament held in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The Asian Games triumph, coupled with direct qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics, marks another significant achievement for the Indian women’s hockey team and provides fresh momentum ahead of its future international campaigns.
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