NAGOYA, Japan, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- India ended a 44-year wait for the Asian Games women's hockey title after beating defending champion China 1-0 in Friday's final, while also securing direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
China beat India 4-1 in the 2025 Asia Cup final, while the two sides drew 2-2 in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.
Both teams reached the final with five straight wins, with the winner earning a direct berth at Los Angeles 2028.
India broke the deadlock in the 10th minute when Lalremsiami Hmarzote scored from open play.
China stepped up the pressure after falling behind, creating several chances, including a penalty stroke and a series of penalty corners, but India held on to its 1-0 lead until the final whistle.
"China played really fast hockey and made it very difficult for us," India coach Sjoerd Marijne said. "They had chances, but in matches like this you have to take them. We had fewer opportunities, but we scored from the one we got. We also defended really well."
China coach Alyson Annan praised her players despite the defeat.
"They worked hard and did everything according to the game plan except score goals," Annan said. "I'm proud of the way they played, and not winning today is really sad because we were the better team."
"This is a very difficult moment. We have worked very hard over the past four years, but this is sport and we have to accept the result," China's Yang Liu said. "We have missed direct Olympic qualification, so over the next year we may need to make changes and work even harder to earn our place at the Olympics." ■
