India struck early in the Women’s Hockey Asia Cup final, but China responded strongly to claim their third continental crown and secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The match opened with a penalty corner inside the first 40 seconds, which Navneet Kaur converted to give India a dream start. However, China soon settled into their rhythm, equalising in the 21st minute through Zixia Ou. They continued to build pressure, and in the second half, Hong Li’s field goal in the 41st minute put them ahead.
Despite India’s attempts to mount a comeback after the break, their forwards struggled to break through a disciplined Chinese defence. The ninth-ranked Indian side pressed hard in the fourth quarter but could not find the leveller. China, instead, capitalised on counterattacks, with Meirong Zou scoring in the 51st minute followed by Jiaqi Zhong just two minutes later, sealing a commanding 4–1 victory.
This triumph marks China’s third Asia Cup title, having previously won in 1989 in Hong Kong and 2009 in Bangkok. For India, the defeat highlighted the lack of finishing power in their frontline, as players like Mumtaz Khan, Lalremsiami, and Sunelita Toppo failed to replicate their earlier form in the tournament.
With the Asia Cup now concluded, India must turn their focus to the World Cup Qualifiers to secure a place in the 2026 edition of the sport’s biggest event.