Goa, Oct. 2 -- The Indian women's hockey team ended a 44-year wait for an Asian Games gold medal with a historic 1-0 victory over reigning champions China in the final on Friday, October 2.

Lalremsiami scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute, converting a field-goal opportunity to give India the lead in a closely contested final. The Indian defence then held firm to preserve the advantage and secure the gold medal.

The victory marked India's first women's hockey medal at the Asian Games since the team finished on the podium in 1982. The triumph also earned India a direct qualification spot for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

India, ranked eighth in the world, faced fourth-ranked China in the final and produced a disciplined per...