"All hard work paid off": Bichu Devi on historic hockey gold
Indian hockey star Bichu Devi Kharibam reacts to the historic Asian Games gold medal victory over China and direct qualification for LA 2028.
In a moment of pure sporting magic, Indian women's hockey player Bichu Devi Kharibam expressed her overwhelming joy after her team ended a staggering 44-year drought to clinch the Asian Games gold medal. The historic victory came following a tense 1-0 triumph over China in the final at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, marking India's first women's hockey gold at the event since 1982.
Speaking to the media after the monumental win, Bichu Devi credited both the squad's relentless preparation and a touch of divine intervention for the success. "We are overjoyed; we played as a team, and all the hard work we put in has paid off today. God was on our side too, which is why we won the gold medal," she said.
A tactical masterclass against China
The match was a high-stakes encounter between the world number eight, India, and the fourth-ranked China. Despite the gap in rankings, the Indian side displayed incredible grit and composure. The decisive moment arrived early in the match when Lalremsiami found the back of the net with a brilliant field goal in the 10th minute.
Following that early strike, the Indian defense had to withstand intense pressure from the Chinese side to maintain the clean sheet. The victory does more than just add gold to the tally; it secures direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, providing a massive boost to the team's momentum after the heartbreak of missing the Paris 2024 cycle.
Celebrations erupt in Imphal
The triumph has sent waves of pride through Bichu Devi's hometown of Imphal, Manipur. As news of the victory spread, her family members gathered to celebrate the achievement that has brought national recognition to the state.
Her father, Romen Kharibam, admitted that the final was a nerve-wracking experience for the family. "I felt very anxious about whether a goal would be scored against them, whether they would be able to defend or not. However, we won in the end. We feel happy as it has brought fame and appreciation to Manipur," he shared.
Her mother, Ibemma Devi Kharibam, was visibly moved by her daughter's journey. "I was deeply moved by the match. It was beyond my belief that many skilled players were defeated by India. My daughter’s passion for hockey has led her to this remarkable status," she said emotionally.
Tournament statistics and standout performers
India's campaign throughout the Aichi-Nagoya Games was characterized by a lethal attacking force. The team's offensive prowess was evident in the goal tallies of several key players:
- Deepika Sehrawat: Finished as the tournament's top scorer with a remarkable 21 goals.
- Navneet Kaur: Contributed significantly with 10 goals.
- China's Jiaqi Zhong: The primary threat for the opposition, finishing with nine goals.
The victory marks a significant redemption for the Indian women's hockey team, transitioning from the disappointment of missing the Paris Olympics to becoming the undisputed queens of Asian hockey.