India’s dream of sealing a direct berth for the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup was dashed on Sunday as China overpowered them 4-1 in the Asia Cup final in Hangzhou.
The contest had started in India’s favour, with Navneet Kaur converting a penalty corner in the very first minute to silence the home crowd. But the early breakthrough only fuelled China’s response, and they soon took control with relentless pressure that India’s defence found increasingly difficult to withstand.
Zixia Ou drew China level in the 21st minute with a penalty corner strike, restoring belief for the hosts who had missed a flurry of chances in the opening quarter. The equaliser proved pivotal as China carried the momentum into the second half.
After a goalless third quarter that saw India attempt to regain the initiative, Hong Li struck in the 41st minute from a swift counter-attack. From that point, the match slipped away from the Salima Tete-led side.
Also read: Held by Japan, India still make it to Asia Cup final
China’s dominance was sealed in ruthless fashion in the closing stages. Meirong Zou added a third in the 51st minute, followed just two minutes later by Jiaqi Zhong, who netted China’s fourth goal to leave India with no way back.
While India’s forwards had impressed earlier in the tournament, they faltered at the decisive moment. The likes of Mumtaz Khan, Lalremsiami and Sunelita Toppo struggled to find any rhythm against the disciplined Chinese backline.
The defeat means India, ranked ninth in the world, must now navigate the qualification rounds to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. For China, the triumph marked their third Asia Cup crown, adding to victories in 1989 and 2009, and guaranteeing their direct entry into the global showpiece.
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