Amaravati, Oct 3: Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy congratulated the Indian women’s hockey team after its historic gold-medal victory at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.
India defeated defending champions China 1-0 in the women’s hockey final, ending a 44-year wait for the Asian Games gold medal. The victory also secured the Indian women’s hockey team a direct qualification berth for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
India Ends 44-Year Wait for Hockey Gold
Led by captain Salima Tete, India produced a disciplined performance against a strong Chinese side. The only goal of the match came in the 10th minute when Lalremsiami found the net with a powerful strike.
India then defended its narrow lead under constant pressure from China. Goalkeeper Savita Punia played a key role by saving a crucial penalty stroke and helping India preserve the 1-0 advantage until the final whistle.
The gold medal is India’s second Asian Games women’s hockey title and its first since the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi. India had reached the final in 1998 and 2018 but finished with silver on both occasions.
Direct Qualification for Los Angeles 2028 Olympics
The historic Asian Games triumph has also earned India a direct place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Under the qualification system, the women’s hockey gold-medal winner at the 2026 Asian Games receives the direct Olympic berth.
The achievement adds further significance to India’s successful 2026 campaign and gives the team an opportunity to prepare for the next Olympic challenge with its qualification already secured.
Jagan Congratulates Indian Women’s Hockey Team
Jagan Mohan Reddy congratulated the Indian women’s hockey team on its historic achievement. In his message on X, he described the victory over defending champions China as a proud moment for the country.
He praised the team’s resilience and defensive performance, while also highlighting Savita Punia’s crucial penalty-stroke save. Jagan also welcomed the team’s direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and wished the players continued success in their future competitions.
The Indian women’s hockey team’s 1-0 victory over China has created a memorable moment in the country’s sporting history, bringing the Asian Games gold back to India after 44 years and securing a direct route to the next Olympics.
