India, Oct. 2 -- The Indian women's hockey team humbled defending champions China 1-0 here on Friday to win their first Asian Games gold medal in 44 years, securing a direct berth at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Lalremsiami scored the all-important winning goal for India with a fantastic tomahawk in the 10th minute.

The Indians were at their best in defence as they thwarted relentless Chinese attack thereafter, including a penalty stroke save by veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia.

With this, India ended a 44-year wait for their second Asian Games gold.

India have won the women's hockey gold only once, in 1982, when women's hockey made its debut at the Asian Games, and have since come close to reclaiming the title on two occasions. They...