44 years, one goal, one impossible save

India's women ended a 44-year wait in style. On October 2, at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Aichi-Nagoya, they beat defending champions China 1-0 in the Asian Games final — India's second-ever women's hockey gold, the first since 1982. Forward Lalremsiami struck in the 10th minute, and then the defense, marshalled by goalkeeper Savita Punia, held firm against wave after wave of Chinese pressure — including a stunning penalty-stroke save in the second quarter that kept the 1-0 lead intact. India had stormed through the tournament unbeaten, scoring 66 goals in five pool matches. The gold also punches their direct ticket to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.