India, Oct. 2 -- India's women's hockey team will take on defending champions China in a much-anticipated Asian Games 2026 final, with continental gold and a direct qualification spot for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics on the line. India, led by captain Salima Tete, have been unbeaten throughout the tournament and produced a dominant run in the group stage before defeating South Korea 2-0 in the semifinals. After missing the Paris 2024 Olympics, the chance to secure a place at the next Games adds another layer of importance to the contest.

China will provide a stern test, having also gone unbeaten on their way to the final and edged past hosts Japan in the semifinals. The two teams have a closely fought history, with China holding a narro...