The Indian women's hockey team qualified for the 2028 LA Olympics by winning a historic gold at the 2026 Asian Games. India ended their 44-year wait for an Asiad
gold and defeated China 1-0 in the final. Playing her 200th game for India, Lalremsiami scored in the 10th minute to give India the much-needed lead. India retained the lead till the end to clinch the historic gold. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the women's team's historic medal on social media. "A very special moment for Indian Hockey! 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. May this success contribute to Hockey’s popularity across the nation: PM @narendramodi," PMO India wrote on X.
"A historic day for Indian Sports! Our incredible Nari Shakti has conquered Asia! Heartiest congratulations to the Indian Women’s Hockey Team on stunning defending champions China 1-0 to clinch GOLD at the #AsianGames2026. By ending a 44-year wait since 1982, our daughters have scripted history. Furthermore, this spectacular victory secures a direct and well-deserved ticket to the LA 2028 Olympics! The entire nation is celebrating this golden comeback. You have made Bharat immensely proud!" wrote Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
India have now won two golds in Asian Games history. They won their first gold in the 1982 Asian Games, held in New Delhi. They won silver in the 1998 and 2018 Asian Games. India have also won three bronze medals.
Two more golds up for grabs
The Indian men's cricket and hockey teams will be part of their respective gold medal matches on Saturday (October 3). The cricket team will be up against Pakistan while the hockey team will take on Malaysia in the gold medal matches.
