Lalremsiami’s strike, Savita’s save script India’s golden return after 44 years

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

KAKAMIGAHARA, OCTOBER 2, 2026

Indian women’s hockey finally reclaimed its place at the top of the Asian Games podium on Friday, ending a 44-year wait for gold with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over defending champion and world No. 4 China. The triumph not only brought India its second Asian Games gold in women’s hockey, and its first since 1982, but also secured direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

On a day when resilience mattered as much as flair, it was Lalremsiami and goalkeeper Savita who emerged as the architects of India’s historic triumph. Lalremsiami, marking her 200th international appearance, scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute, while the experienced Savita produced a stunning penalty-stroke save to keep China at bay.

China began with greater possession and territorial control, but India created the first real opening in the fourth minute. Baljeet Kaur combined with Ishika inside the 23-yard area and broke into the circle, only for a timely flat-stick tackle from a Chinese defender to snuff out the opportunity.

China appealed for a penalty corner in the seventh minute after a suspected foot, but the umpire waved play on. A minute later, India were reduced to 10 players when Baljeet received a green card and was sent off for two minutes.

India, however, responded to the pressure with a move of the highest quality.

In the 10th minute, captain Salima Tete began the attack with a purposeful run before combining with Sakshi Rana inside the circle. Sakshi then picked out Lalremsiami, who unleashed a superb reverse-stick strike from a difficult angle. The ball flew into the Chinese goal, giving India a 1-0 lead.

Three minutes later, India nearly doubled its advantage. A clever one-two between Baljeet and Navneet Kaur on the right opened up the Chinese defence, but Navneet’s trademark direct strike from the resulting penalty corner went narrowly wide.

China continued to dominate possession, enjoying 55 per cent of the ball and making eight circle entries to India’s four. Yet India’s compact defensive structure ensured that Lalremsiami’s goal remained the difference.

The second quarter belonged largely to China as it intensified the pressure. In the 19th minute, the Chinese earned a penalty corner and attempted a variation aimed at a first-time deflection, but Indian sticks intervened.

Another penalty corner followed soon after, only for Navneet to produce a superb goal-line save.

China came even closer two minutes later. After a dangerous move inside the Indian circle, the umpire awarded a penalty stroke. India opted not to take a video referral, leaving Savita alone to face the challenge.

The veteran goalkeeper responded in emphatic fashion, diving to her left to make a magnificent save and preserve India’s slender advantage.

China kept probing, but India’s defensive organisation remained disciplined. In the 24th minute, Shilpi Dabas read the danger perfectly and intercepted a threatening Chinese move near the goal-mouth as Savita covered the near post.

India went into the interval 1-0 ahead despite China continuing to enjoy the greater share of possession and circle entries.

The third quarter produced another major defensive moment. China won a penalty corner in the 33rd minute and, following another chance on goal, was initially awarded a penalty stroke after the ball appeared to strike Navneet’s foot.

India immediately referred the decision. The review overturned the penalty stroke and reduced it to a penalty corner.

Salima Tete then produced another vital intervention, blocking the flick with her flat stick. The India captain injured her right hand in the process and left the field for treatment, but her contribution underlined the defensive resolve that was keeping China at bay.

China’s frustration began to show as loose passes and unforced errors crept into its game. India, meanwhile, remained resolute, even though its midfield movement was less fluent than it had been in the opening two quarters.

The third quarter ended goalless, with India still 1-0 ahead after 45 minutes. China had increased its circle entries to 21, compared with India’s nine, but the elusive equaliser remained out of reach.

The final quarter became a test of India’s defensive character. With the clock ticking away, China threw players forward in search of a leveller. India absorbed wave after wave of pressure, maintaining its shape and refusing to surrender the precious lead.

And then came the final hooter.

Lalremsiami’s magnificent strike had survived the Chinese onslaught, while Savita and the Indian defensive unit stood firm when it mattered most.

India were Asian Games champions once again — 44 years after their previous women’s hockey gold in 1982.

For Salima Tete’s side, the triumph was built not merely on one goal but on a collective display of discipline, courage and defensive resilience.

And for Indian hockey, the victory carried an even greater reward: a direct ticket to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.


Photo Credit: Asian Hockey Federation