Hangzhou, 14th September 2025: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team wrapped up an inspiring campaign at the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 with a Silver Medal, following a 1-4 defeat against hosts China in the final. The match began in the best possible fashion for India as veteran forward Navneet Kaur found the back of the net in the very first minute, converting a penalty corner with a powerful strike to give India an early 1-0 lead.
China responded quickly, increasing the intensity and pressing the Indian defense with persistent attacks throughout the first half. Despite the pressure, India’s defense held firm for much of the first quarter. Goalkeeper Bichu Devi produced a string of excellent saves, and defender Sunelita Toppo made a crucial goalline block in the fourth minute. Another penalty corner for China in the 15th minute was effectively nullified by India’s first rusher, preserving the lead.
In the second quarter, China continued to press, earning another penalty corner in the 17th minute and forcing another top-class save from Bichu Devi. However, their persistence paid off in the 21st minute when captain Ou Zixia converted a penalty corner to level the score. The teams went into halftime tied 1-1, with everything to play for.
India came out strong in the third quarter, dominating possession and making repeated circle entries in search of a go-ahead goal. However, a missed penalty corner in the 40th minute opened the door for a swift Chinese counterattack. Li Hong capitalized on the opportunity, making a solo run and delivering a backhanded shot into the bottom corner to give China a 2-1 lead.
China extended their advantage in the fourth quarter. In the 51st minute, Ying Zhang delivered a perfect pass inside the circle, which Zou Meirong tapped in with a first-touch finish. Just two minutes later, Zhong Jiaqi made a run from the right flank, cutting into the circle and slotting a precise shot past the Indian goalkeeper to make it 4-1.
Despite the loss, India’s performance in the final and throughout the tournament displayed resilience, talent, and determination. The Silver Medal marks a proud moment for Indian women’s hockey and highlights the continued rise of the team on the Asian stage. With promising young players and experienced leaders like Navneet Kaur, India remains a strong contender in international women’s hockey.
