Hangzhou: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team finished with the Silver Medal at the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 after a hard-fought 1-4 defeat to hosts China in the final, played in front of a packed home crowd in Hangzhou, here on Sunday.

India got off to a dream start when seasoned forward Navneet Kaur fired home a penalty corner in the very first minute, sending the travelling supporters into raptures. However, China responded with relentless pressure, forcing multiple penalty corners in the opening quarter. India’s defence, led by Sunelita Toppo’s goalline block and sharp saves from goalkeeper Bichu Devi, stood firm to protect the early advantage.

The breakthrough for China finally came in the 21st minute when captain Ou Zixia converted a penalty corner to restore parity. The hosts continued to push forward, but India held their composure as both sides went into half-time level at 1-1.

The third quarter saw India initially take control, pressing China deep and creating circle penetrations. But a missed penalty corner in the 40th minute proved costly. China capitalised immediately with a swift counterattack, and Li Hong produced a brilliant solo run before smashing a back-handed strike into the bottom corner to put the hosts ahead.

China turned the screw in the final quarter, striking twice in quick succession to put the contest beyond India’s reach. In the 51st minute, Zou Meirong latched on to a clever pass from Ying Zhang and finished neatly from close range. Just two minutes later, Zhong Jiaqi weaved in from the right flank and buried a shot past the goalkeeper, sealing a 4-1 victory for the home side.

Despite the disappointment of defeat, the Indian team showed great resilience and quality throughout the tournament to secure the Silver Medal. The loss also underlined China’s sharpness in crucial moments and their ability to convert opportunities under pressure.

For India, Navneet Kaur’s early strike and Bichu Devi’s heroics in goal were standout moments, but lapses in the second half proved decisive. Still, finishing runners-up in Asia remains a significant achievement, adding to the momentum the side has built on the international stage.

India will now look to regroup, build on this experience, and focus on the upcoming international calendar as they continue their pursuit of continental and global glory.