India, Oct. 2 -- India ended a 44-year wait for Asian Games women's hockey gold with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over defending champions China on Friday.

Lalremsiami scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute, marking her 200th appearance for India in memorable fashion.

Sakshi Rana picked out the forward inside the circle, and Lalremsiami turned before unleashing a powerful reverse-stick strike into the upper part of the net.

China's goalkeeper had no chance as India took an early lead in the final.

Savita's big save keeps India ahead

China quickly increased the pressure and earned a penalty stroke in the 24th minute after Lalremsiami was penalised for obstructing a Chinese forward.

Bichu Devi had started in goal, but experienced go...