India will face China in the women’s hockey final at the Aichi‑Nagoya Asian Games on Friday, aiming to recapture the gold they last won in 1982, 44 years ago.
The match is more than a title; the winner secures a place in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Both teams enter the game unbeaten, after navigating different challenges to reach the final.
India’s last Asian Games gold came in 1982. They reached the final in 1998 and 2018 but lost to South Korea and Japan. Earlier this year, India won the FIH Nations Cup and finished fifth at the 2026 World Cup, their best finish in 52 years, including a goalless draw against China.
Both sides topped their groups with perfect records. China drew 0‑0 with Japan in the semi‑final before winning 4‑2 on penalties, while India beat South Korea after Ishika scored late in the third quarter.
