Vice President, Hockey India; President, Hockey Punjab; AAP Jalandhar Central Halka In-Charge, Nitin Kohli congratulated the Indian women’s hockey team on winning the gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, describing the achievement as a historic moment for Indian hockey.
India defeated defending champions China 1-0 in the gold-medal final on October 2, ending a 44-year wait for the Asian Games women’s hockey title. India had last won the gold in 1982.
Kohli said the achievement reflected the players’ hard work, discipline, determination and belief in one another. He congratulated captain Salima Tete, the entire squad, coaching staff and support staff for bringing the Asian Games women’s hockey gold back to India after 44 years
He also praised Lalremsiami, who scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute of the final on her 200th international appearance. India’s defence and goalkeeping then held firm to protect the 1-0 lead against sustained Chinese pressure.
Kohli said the victory is significant not only because India has won the Asian Games women’s hockey title for the second time, but also because the triumph has secured the team’s direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
He said the historic success of the Indian women’s team would inspire young girls across the country to take up hockey and pursue their dreams in sport.
“After a 44-year wait, our women hockey players have brought the Asian Games gold back to India. This is a proud moment for the entire nation. Their determination, teamwork and fighting spirit have shown what Indian sport can achieve on the international stage,” Kohli said.
Kohli extended his congratulations to the entire Indian women’s hockey team and expressed hope that this historic achievement would further strengthen hockey at the grassroots level and inspire a new generation of players.
