India’s women’s hockey team received a celebratory welcome in Bengaluru after returning home with the Asian Games 2026 gold medal, ending a 44-year wait for the continental title and securing direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The team arrived at Kempegowda International Airport early Sunday and was felicitated by officials from the Sports Authority of India.

The players were welcomed with garlands and traditional Mysuru petha following their memorable campaign in Japan. Several members of the team have trained at the SAI Bengaluru centre and will now return to their respective home states for a short break.

India end 44-year wait for women’s hockey gold

India defeated defending champions and Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallists China 1-0 in the Asian Games final in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Friday.

The victory gave India their second-ever Asian Games women’s hockey gold. Their only previous title had come in 1982, when women’s hockey made its Asian Games debut. India subsequently reached the final in 1998 and 2018 but finished with silver medals after losing to South Korea and Japan respectively.

Lalremsiami’s goal seals historic victory

Lalremsiami scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute with a powerful reverse-stick strike to put India ahead.

China responded with sustained pressure, but India’s defence held firm throughout the remainder of the contest. Veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia produced a crucial penalty-stroke save to deny China an equaliser as India protected their narrow lead until the final whistle.

The win was particularly significant for Lalremsiami, who scored the match-winner while making her 200th international appearance for India.

Direct qualification for Los Angeles Olympics

Along with the Asian Games gold, India secured a direct qualification berth for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The qualification was a major objective for the team. Veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia said that securing the Olympic berth had been the team’s overriding focus, as it gives India almost two years to prepare for Los Angeles without the pressure of having to qualify through the Olympic qualification tournaments.

India are among the first women’s hockey teams to confirm their place at LA 2028 through the continental route.

Bengaluru gives golden girls a warm welcome

The returning players were received at the airport by Sports Authority of India Regional Director Vishnu Sudhakaran shortly after midnight.

The team members were felicitated for their historic achievement, with officials and supporters celebrating their return after the successful Asian Games campaign. The players will now head back to their respective home states before beginning preparations for their next assignments.

A new chapter for Indian women’s hockey

The Asian Games triumph marks a significant moment for Indian women’s hockey. After finishing runners-up in 1998 and 2018, the team finally reclaimed the continental title after more than four decades.

The combination of Lalremsiami’s attacking brilliance, Savita Punia’s goalkeeping and a disciplined defensive performance helped India overcome China and secure both the gold medal and a coveted Olympic qualification spot.