Indian Womens Hockey Team Clinches Gold at Asian Games, Securing Olympic Qualification

Kakamigahara, October 2 (Daily Kiran) : In Kakamigahara, Japan, the Indian women’s hockey team celebrated a momentous victory on October 2, defeating China 1-0 in the final of the Asian Games. This triumph marked the end of a 44-year wait for a gold medal in women’s hockey, a feat last achieved in 1982.

Star forward Deepika expressed her pride at qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “Of course, we have secured our ticket to Los Angeles. It’s a proud moment for me after so many years of hard work,” she stated. The team now looks forward to the Olympics, focusing on their performance and preparation.

The match’s only goal came from Lalremsiami in the 10th minute, executed with a powerful reverse hit. Additionally, captain Savita Punia made a crucial save from a penalty stroke, thwarting China’s efforts to equalize. This victory was particularly significant as it was India’s first continental title since 1982.

Deepika, who finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 21 goals, emphasized the importance of the team’s mindset. When asked about the most challenging match, she noted that rather than worrying about their opponents, the team concentrated on their own game. “There were certainly challenges, but we had to focus on ourselves,” she explained.

The favorable conditions on the day of the final also contributed to India’s success. Deepika highlighted the team’s improved mentality, saying, “The weather was good, but the team’s thinking was different today.” When China was close to scoring from a penalty stroke, Savita’s remarkable one-handed save energized the team, fueling their determination to push for the next goal.

This gold medal holds special significance for India, as it was the first time the country claimed the women’s hockey title since it was introduced in the Asian Games. India had previously reached the finals in 1998 and 2018 but settled for silver on both occasions.

Deepika’s journey to the top began in a sports-oriented family in Hisar, Haryana. Initially inspired by wrestling, she often accompanied her father and elder brother to wrestling centers. In 2025, she became the first Indian to win the ‘Poligras Magic Skill Award’ for a solo goal against the Netherlands. Despite facing a setback due to a Grade 3 hamstring tear, she made a remarkable comeback, sharing the top scorer title at the FIH Nations Cup in June 2026.

Following the historic gold medal win, Deepika dedicated her medal to those who supported her journey, including her family, coach Ajay Singh, and the entire team. “I dedicate this medal to my family, my coach, and everyone who has been with me,” she said.