PM Modi congratulates women's hockey team after historic Asian Games gold

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated India’s women’s hockey team after they ended a 44-year wait for the Asian Games gold medal with a 1-0 victory over defending champions China in the final on Friday.

Taking to X, he described the triumph as “a very special moment for Indian Hockey” and said the success had brought joy across the country. He praised the team’s skills, teamwork and determination, while extending his wishes to the players for their future endeavours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian women's hockey team. (Image: X/@PMOIndia)

The victory in Aichi-Nagoya marked only the second time India have won the women’s hockey gold at the Asian Games. Their previous triumph came in 1982, when the event made its debut. India later finished runners-up in 1998 and 2018, falling short against South Korea and Japan respectively.

The latest gold also secured India a direct qualification spot for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, adding further significance to the triumph.DEFENCE HOLDS FIRM

India’s gold medal was built around a fast start and a disciplined defensive display. Lalremsiami opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a superb tomahawk strike, giving India an early advantage against a Chinese side that had won the previous edition of the Asian Games.

China responded with sustained pressure as the contest progressed, but India’s defence repeatedly held its shape. Veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia produced one of the defining moments of the final when she saved a Chinese penalty stroke, preserving India’s slender lead.

The final stages became a test of India’s composure as China continued searching for an equaliser. The Indian players stood firm to see out the contest and secure a landmark gold medal.PM PRAISES TEAM

The Prime Minister said the team’s success was the result of “outstanding skills and teamwork” and described their determination as inspiring. He also expressed hope that the achievement would contribute to hockey becoming more popular across the country.

For a team that had waited more than four decades to return to the top of the Asian Games podium, the victory represented a significant moment in Indian women’s hockey.

China settled for silver, while Japan claimed the bronze medal after defeating South Korea in the third-place play-off.- Ends