Asian Games 2026: PM Modi Hails India’s Women’s Hockey Gold After 44 Years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated India’s women’s hockey team after its 1-0 victory over China in the Asian Games 2026 final in Nagoya, ending a 44-year wait for the continental gold.

In a post shared by the Prime Minister’s Office on X, PM Modi described the victory as a ‘very special moment’ for Indian hockey. He said the team’s outstanding skills, teamwork and determination had brought the coveted gold medal home after more than four decades.

PM Modi congratulated the players and wished them success in their future competitions. He expressed hope that the achievement would further increase the popularity of hockey across the country.

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 (@PMOIndia) October 2, 2026

India secured the gold after Lalremsiami scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute.

Salima Tete created the opening with a precise pass into the circle, while Sakshi supplied the ball for Lalremsiami to finish with a powerful reverse-hit.

The Indian defence then held firm as China mounted sustained pressure in search of an equaliser.

India protected its narrow advantage until the final whistle to seal the title.

The triumph delivered India’s second women’s hockey gold at the Asian Games, with the previous title coming in 1982.

The result ended China’s recent advantage over India, having won their previous two encounters, including their meeting at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

India’s victory secured a direct qualification berth for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The Asian Games gold therefore marks a significant milestone for the women’s hockey team, combining the end of a long continental title drought with a place at the next Olympics.

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