PM Modi Praises Women's Hockey Team For Asia Cup Silver: 'Made The Nation Proud'

Last Updated:September 14, 2025, 23:36 IST

PM Modi praised India's women's hockey team for their Asia Cup 2025 silver after their loss to China, who qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

India women hockey team lost 4-1 to China in the final. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian women’s hockey team for their silver medal in the 2025 Asia Cup in Bihar, hailing their determination and team spirit. He also wished them well for the future.

After decent performances in the group and super-four stages, the team faltered at a crucial moment, losing 1-4 to China in the final on Sunday, missing out on direct qualification for next year’s World Cup.

The hosts took an early lead through Navneet Kaur’s penalty corner conversion in the first minute. However, China responded with goals from Zixia Ou (21st minute), Hong Li (41st), Meirong Zou (51st), and Jiaqi Zhong (53rd), securing their third title and qualification for the 2026 World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.

“Our Indian Women’s Hockey Team has made the nation proud by winning the Silver Medal in the Women’s Asia Cup 2025. Congratulations to them. Their determination and team spirit are simply outstanding. Wishing them the very best for the times to come," PM Modi said on X.

India’s first scoring opportunity came within 39 seconds, with Kaur converting a penalty corner. Three minutes later, China had consecutive penalty corners, but India defended effectively.

Shaken by the early goal, China launched continuous attacks, yet the Indian defense, led by Salima Tete, held firm. Despite earning more penalty corners two minutes into the second quarter, China couldn’t break through.

China maintained pressure, keeping the ball in India’s circle but struggled to equalize until Zixia Ou’s penalty corner conversion in the 21st minute. This boosted China’s morale, leading to relentless attacks, though the halftime score remained 1-1, with China being the more dominant side.

Post break, India played aggressively but China’s defense stayed strong. China’s persistent attacks paid off with Hong Li scoring a field goal four minutes into the third quarter. India, ranked ninth globally, fought hard for an equalizer in the final quarter but couldn’t penetrate China’s defense.

China sealed the match with two quick goals in the 51st and 53rd minutes by Meirong Zou and Jiaqi Zhong respectively, securing the title.

China had previously won the Asia Cup in 1989 in Hong Kong and 2009 in Bangkok.

The subdued performance of India’s strike force, including Mumtaz Khan, Lalremsiami, and Sunelita Toppo, led to their defeat, despite good performances in earlier matches.

India now needs to go through the World Cup Qualifiers to secure their place in the top global event.

(With agency inputs)

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