Indian hockey teams repeat historic Asian Games feat after 28 years
India are in contention for two hockey golds
Both the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams have been in stunning form at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with both reaching the finals of their respective events, mounting a serious effort to win two gold medals.
While the Indian men’s team are playing to successfully defend their title, the women’s team will aim to clinch a gold medal for the first time since 1982.
Related: Asian Games 2026 Day 13 Live Updates
Since winning the tournament 44 years ago—when it was still played in a league format—Indian women are yet to clinch gold in hockey at the Asian Games. They did reach the final in 1998 and 2018, but finished with silver.
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
India secured a 4-3 win against Pakistan in the men’s hockey semi-finals on Thursday. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice in the first quarter, and Sukhjeet added a third to put their side three goals ahead.
However, Pakistan pulled three goals back in the second half through Abu Mohammad, Hannan Shahid, and Waheed Rana. Abhishek then scored a late goal in the final minute, assisted by a deflection off Sufyan Khan, to book India’s place in the final.
The women’s team had an easier path to the final, beating South Korea 2-0 in the semi-finals. The Women in Blue created several chances throughout the first half but were frustrated by goalkeeper Lee Seoyeon.
Ishika Chaudhary and Salima Tete scored within four minutes in the second half to seal a comfortable win for their side.
India creates Asian Games history
With both the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams reaching the gold medal matches at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, the country has created a new record in the continental tournament.
The last time both the men’s and women’s teams reached the finals of their respective events at the Asiads was 28 years ago at the 1998 Bangkok Games. In that tournament, both the men’s and women’s teams reached the gold medal matches.
The men’s team topped their pool with four wins before beating Japan in the semi-finals. The Men in Blue then defeated South Korea in the final via a penalty shootout.
The women’s team, meanwhile, faced South Korea in the final. However, the Women in Blue lost 2-1.
When did India last win men’s hockey gold at the Asian Games?
India last won men’s hockey gold at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, beating Japan in the final.
When did India last win women’s hockey gold at the Asian Games?
India last won women’s hockey gold at the 1982 New Delhi Asian Games, defeating Pakistan in the final.
When did India last have both men’s and women’s hockey teams in the Asian Games final?
India last achieved the feat at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games, 28 years before the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram