Asian Games: President Murmu and PM Modi congratulate women’s hockey team on historic gold

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu on Friday congratulated the Indian women’s hockey team on its historic gold medal victory at the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya, which ended the country’s 44-year wait for the continental title.

India defeated hosts China 1-0 in the final to reclaim the women’s hockey gold for the first time since 1982. The victory also secured the Indian team a direct berth at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

“A very special moment for Indian Hockey!” PM Modi said in a post on X.

“The people of India are rejoicing in the success of the Women’s Hockey Team, who bring home the coveted Gold at the Asian Games, and that too after over 4 decades. This is the result of outstanding skills and teamwork. Their determination is very inspiring as well. My best wishes to the team for their upcoming endeavours,” the Prime Minister said in a post shared by the Prime Minister Office.

“May this success contribute to Hockey’s popularity across the nation,” he added.

President Murmu also congratulated the team on its “magnificent gold medal triumph”.

“Heartiest congratulations to the Indian Women’s Hockey Team on a magnificent gold medal triumph at the Asian Games 2026!” President Murmu said in a post on X.

“After a long wait, the Gold returns to India through your determination, skill and spirited play, bringing immense pride and joy to the entire nation. Securing direct qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games makes this victory even more special,” she added.

” You are an inspiration to countless young girls across the country. My warmest wishes to each one of you for the journey ahead!” Murmu said.

Lalremsiami scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute with a powerful reverse-hit as India withstood sustained pressure from China to reclaim the continental crown.

The goal came at the end of a well-worked attacking move, with Salima Tete sending a precise pass into the circle before Sakshi set up Lalremsiami, who fired a fierce reverse-hit into the roof of the net.

India’s defence then held firm against repeated Chinese attacks to preserve the lead and secure a memorable victory over a side that had beaten them in their previous meetings, including at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also congratulated the team, describing the triumph as a “golden chapter in Indian women’s hockey”.

“A golden chapter in Indian women’s hockey!

“Congratulations to our women’s hockey team on a hard-fought victory to win the Asian Games Gold Medal. Lalremsiami Hmarzote’s decisive strike and Savita Punia’s crucial penalty-stroke save reflected the skill, composure and fighting spirit of a team that stood firm when it mattered most,” Singh said in a post on X.

“After 44 years, India has reclaimed the Asian Games women’s hockey title. This historic triumph will inspire generations to carry the Indian hockey legacy forward with renewed ambition.

“My best wishes to the entire team for the journey ahead,” he added.

The gold caps a strong year for Indian women’s hockey, with the team securing its best-ever finish at the World Cup by taking fifth place in the 2026 edition held in Belgium and the Netherlands a few months ago.

(IANS Inputs)

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