Asian Games 2026 LIVE: Final weekend of the Asian Games approaches as India's medal tally swells to 76

India’s players celebrate a goal during the men's Hockey final’s gold medal match between Malaysia and India in the ongoing 20th Asian Games, in Gifu, Japan, on October 3, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI

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India beat Pakistan in a thrilling Asian Games final on Saturday (October 3, 2026) to clinch the gold medal and retain the title they won at the 2023 Hangzhou Games, with Abhishek Sharma’s 61 and Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 51 powering India to a formidable 211. Pakistan came under sustained pressure during the chase, with India’s spinners leading the charge as both Axar Patel and Washington Sundar finished with figures of 2-29. The victory sees India successfully defend their Asian Games cricket title and add another gold medal to their tally.

Meanwhile, Teenager Kumkum Mohod kept her composure under pressure to clinch gold in the women’s individual recurve event at the Asian Games, defeating South Korea’s Oh Yejin in a shoot-out. With the victory, Kumkum became the first Indian woman to win an Asian Games medal in the individual recurve event.

She had also secured an Olympic quota place for India by reaching the semifinals, defeating China’s Jingyi Zhu 6-2.

Pranavi Urs became the first Indian woman golfer to win a gold medal in the Asian Games, holding on to a slender one-stroke lead in the final round to achieve the historic feat that also helped the country claim the team silver. The 23-year-old from Mysore sent in three birdies to recover from a horrendous triple bogey on the third hole, which had wiped away her three-stroke overnight lead.

Indian Kurash player Yash Kumar Chauhan has tested positive for multiple banned substances in a dope sample taken during competition on September 27 in the Asian Games and has been provisionally suspended with immediate effect, the Olympic Council of Asia announced.

India defeats Malaysia 5-1 to defend Asian Games hockey gold and secure 2028 Olympics spot in a historic double triumph.

India reaches 211/6 in Asian Games final after Abhishek Sharma’s 61 and Tilak Varma’s 51* in a Pakistan clash.

Wrestling | Antim Panghal wins silver

Antim Panghal wins silver medal at Asian Games, loses women’s 53kg final 1-9 to Japan’s Mei Kiyooka.

Cricket | Rajeev Shukla hails India’s gold win over Pakistan

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President Rajeev Shukla today hailed India’s Asian Games cricket gold medal win over Pakistan as a matter of great pride, praising the players for adapting to unfamiliar wicket conditions in Japan and delivering a strong performance.

He said the victory reflects the continued growth of Indian cricket under the BCCI, while highlighting the team’s recent successes.

Mr. Shukla also praised India’s growing pool of players, saying the depth allows different squads to compete in multiple series and provides opportunities for more players while maintaining a winning run.

Following the women’s team’s triumph, India’s men also defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the gold medal clash at the ongoing Asian Games today, with stellar performances from Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma and Axar Patel powering the team to victory.

Deepak adds bronze to his Asian Games collection

Wrestler Deepak Punia added a second Asian Games medal to his collection, securing the men’s 97kg bronze with a 2-1 victory over Mongolia’s Gankhuyang Ganbataar on Saturday (October 3).

The 27-year-old Indian, who had won silver at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, had earlier missed out on a place in the final after suffering a narrow 8-9 defeat to Uzbekistan’s Sherzod Poyonov in the semifinals.

Moving to 97kg from 86kg weight division, Deepak had begun his campaign with a commanding 12-2 technical superiority win over China’s Junpeng Zhou before receiving a walkover from Hong Kong’s Vincent Fung Wui Li to enter the semifinals.

Mahi Verma finishes eighth in girls dinghy at Asian Games

India’s 16-year-old sailor Mahi Verma on Saturday finished eighth in the Opening Series Race 12 of the girls dinghy event to be ranked sixth overall in the Asian Games.

Mahi, who had retired from Race 1, featured in each of the remaining races but finished with a 75 total points and 57 net points.

The sailing events at the Asian Games follow the international low-point fleet racing format where sailors with lowest cumulative scores win the competition.

Japanese Olympic body chief admits to problems in Asian Games but says 'that is not whole story’

Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) chief Seiko Hashimoto on Saturday (October 3, 2026) that “there were many problems” that marred the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and so many things could have been done better in retrospect but insisted that the harsh criticisms do not represent the whole picture and there were positive aspects of the Games.

Logistical chaos due to a cost-cutting decision to scrap a traditional Athletes’ Village, cramped lodgings and transport hassles marred the the Games, which officially began on September 19 and will end on Sunday (October 4, 2026).

“It is also true that there were many problems, although we also heard people say living aboard the cruise ship was a very good experience, with extremely good food — not only the Japanese food — and hospitality, including that from the volunteers,” Hashimoto said.

Asian Games 2026: Kumkum Mohod, a revelation for Indian contingent in Nagoya

Kumkum Mohod speaks little, smiles a lot more. When she does talk, though, the clarity of thoughts and the simplicity of her process are disarming. The smile is replaced by a single-minded focus in competition.

“ Khud pe bhaorsa tha, team ka support tha,” she said after becoming the first Indian ever to win an individual Asian Games gold in recurve archery. “The mindset was very different today, I was very confident that I can do this. Excited also because this is my first Asian Games individual competition but the only thought before shooting was to keep faith in myself and focus on my process without bothering who I was up against,” she added.

Kumkum Mohod's gold at Nagoya ignites India's archery spotlight, driven by fearless focus, vivid visualization, and Olympic dreams.

Asian Games gold reflection of team’s champion mindset: Shreyas Iyer

India skipper Shreyas Iyer on Saturday (October 3, 2026) said his team not complaining despite a disrupted build-up to the Asian Games was a sign of a “champion team” and laid the foundation for its gold medal in the continental event.

India’s preparations were heavily impacted by rain with the team getting its first proper training session ahead of the semifinal against Sri Lanka on October 1. The team arrived in Japan on September 20, played five over game a side on September 22 in Sano before travelling to Nagoya. The Asian Games quarterfinal against Afghanistan on September 28 was a washout.

Shreyas Iyer lauds a champion mindset after India’s rain-disrupted buildup, guiding them to a 19-run Asian Games final win over Pakistan.

Aman Sehrawat adds Asian Games gold to collection

Aman Sehrawat finally changed the colour of his Asian Games medal, clinching the men’s 57kg gold after edging out North Korea’s world champion Chong Song Han 11-7 in a fierce final on Saturday (October 3).

The 23-year-old Indian, who had won a bronze at the Hangzhou Asian Games, showed immense tactical acumen to thwart a tricky Han and complete his climb to the top of the podium.

Aman had earlier defeated Tajikistan’s Aiaal Belolyubskii 14-8 in the semifinals, setting up a shot at his maiden Asian Games gold.

No drama but no handshakes either

The tension surrounding an India-Pakistan clash was palpable, but the much-anticipated Asian Games cricket final between the two old rivals passed off without any drama on the sidelines here on Saturday even though handshakes were once again avoided.

It ended with India beating Pakistan by 19 runs to retain the gold medal.

There was considerable curiosity over how the high-profile final would unfold, both on and off the field. But barring the absence of customary handshakes, the contest remained free of controversy, with neither side allowing the strained bilateral ties to spill over into the game.

For the sizeable Indian diaspora, which had travelled from Tokyo, Nagoya and other parts of Japan to watch the final, it was a day centred on cricket. Pakistan did manage to put India under pressure, but the defending champions’ imposing total proved decisive as they secured a second successive Asian Games gold.

Japanese Olympic body chief admits to problems in Asian Games but says ''that is not the whole story''

Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) chief Seiko Hashimoto on Saturday (October 3) said that “there were many problems” that marred the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and so many things could have been done better in retrospect but insisted that the harsh criticisms do not represent the whole picture and there were positive aspects of the Games.

Logistical chaos due to a cost-cutting decision to scrap a traditional Athletes’ Village, cramped lodgings and transport hassles marred the the Games, which officially began on September 19 and will end on Sunday (October 4).

“It is also true that there were many problems, although we also heard people say living aboard the cruise ship was a very good experience, with extremely good food -- not only the Japanese food -- and hospitality, including that from the volunteers,” Mr. Hashimoto said.

India beat Pakistan to retain cricket gold

India beat Pakistan in a thrilling Asian Games final on Saturday (October 3) to clinch the gold medal and retain the title they won at the 2023 Hangzhou Games. Abhishek Sharma’s 61 and Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 51 powered India to a formidable 211.

Pakistan came under sustained pressure during the chase, with India’s spinners leading the charge. Axar Patel returned figures of 2-29, while Washington Sundar delivered a crucial final over, conceding just six runs and picking up a wicket to close out the contest.

The victory sees India successfully defend their Asian Games cricket title and add another gold medal to their tally.

Volleyball | India lose to Thailand 2-3 to finish sixth in men's volleyball in Asian Games

The Indian men’s volleyball team lost 2-3 to Thailand in their 5-6th classification match to end the Asian Games campaign at the sixth position on Saturday (October 3).

The Indians lost 19-25, 25-17, 21-25, 25-17, 15-17 in the closely contested fifth-sixth classification match that lasted one hour and 56 minutes.

With 22 points, Jerome Vinith was the top scorer for India, while Joel Benjamin Jebaraj scored 17 points. Ashwal Rai (14 points) and Chirag Yadav (11) also registered double digit scores.

Suwit Mahasiriyothin top-scored for Thailand with 25 points, followed by Thanat Bamrungphakdi (19).

Judo | Judokas Kashish, Jyoti bow out in opening round

Indian judokas continued to disappoint as Kashish Malik and Jyoti Yadav bowed out in the first round of the respective events at the Asian Games on Saturday (October 3).

In the women 57kg category, Kashish lost to Yujin Kim of South Korea 0-2 (3-18 2-17) in round of 16.

Later in the day, Jyoti was shown the door by Thailand’s Kannaluck Chuenchooklin 0-2 in women’s 67kg category.

Cricket | Abhishek’s blistering 61, Tilak’s 51 takes India to 211/6 against Pakistan in gold clash

India reaches 211/6 in Asian Games final after Abhishek Sharma’s 61 and Tilak Varma’s 51* in a Pakistan clash.

Cricket | Abhishek, Tilak power India to 210/6

India posted a commanding 210/6 against Pakistan in the men’s gold-medal clash at the Asian Games on Saturday (October 3. Half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma powered India to a formidable total.

With the batters setting the platform, India’s bowlers now have the task of keeping Pakistan in check and finishing the job for gold.

Archery | Neeraj wins individual recurve bronze

Indian archer Neeraj Chauhan upset compatriot Dhiraj Bommadevara 6-4 to bag the bronze medal in the men’s individual recurve event at the Asian Games on Saturday (October 3).

Neeraj registered scores of 29-26, 27-28, 28-29, 30-28, 29-28 in the bronze medal play-off to become only the second Indian male after Tarundeep Rai to win an individual recurve medal at the Asian Games.

Wrestling | Aman, Antim eye medal upgrade, enter Asian Games gold-medal bouts

Olympic bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat and Antim Panghal will get a chance to change the colour of their Asian Games medals after storming into the respective men’s 57kg and women’s 53kg finals with impressive semifinal wins on Saturday (October 3).

Aman, who had settled for a bronze at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, outclassed Tajikistan’s Aiaal Belolyubskii 14-8 in the men’s 57kg semifinal to move within one win of an Asian Games gold.

He is up against North Korea’s Chong Song Han.

Antim, who had also won bronze in Hangzhou, followed him into the title clash in the women’s 53kg category, beating China’s Jin Zhang 6-1 in her semifinal.

She will take on 2024 World Champion Moe Kiyooka in the final.

Neeru Dhanda to be flag bearer at Asian Games closing

Ace Indian trap shooter Neeru Dhanda will be the women’s flag bearer at the closing ceremony of the Asian Games on Sunday (October 4, 2026) after capping a remarkable campaign with two gold medals and a team silver to emerge as one of the most successful athletes at the continental showpiece.

The 27-year-old, who returned to India a day after winning her third medal — a gold in the trap mixed team event alongside Kynan Chenai — will travel back to Nagoya on Saturday morning (October 3, 2026) to lead the Indian contingent at the closing ceremony.

Neeru enjoyed a stellar campaign in Nagoya, winning the women’s individual trap gold before combining with Manisha Keer and Aashima Ahlawat to clinch silver in the women’s team event. She then partnered Chenai to win the trap mixed team gold on the penultimate day of the shooting competition, taking her medal tally to three.

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Asian Games 2026: Neeru Dhanda to lead India as flag bearer after winning three medals (two golds, one silver) at Nagoya.

Cricket | India opt to bat against Pakistan, field unchanged side

India skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and was elected to bat against Pakistan in the men’s gold medal match of the Asian Games.

Both teams are unchanged from their respective semi-final wins.

Golf | Pranavi becomes the first Indian woman golfer to strike gold; team wins silver

Pranavi Urs on Saturday became the first Indian woman golfer to win a gold medal in the Asian Games, holding on to a slender one-stroke lead in the final round to achieve the historic feat that also helped the country claim the team silver.

The 23-year-old from Mysore sent in three birdies to recover from a horrendous triple bogey on the third hole, which had wiped away her three-stroke overnight lead.

With a final round score of even-par 70, she ended with a total of 15-under 265 for four days, a stroke ahead of the pack.

Her performance also became a crucial factor in giving India the team silver alongside Aditi Ashok (67 in the final round) and Diksha Dagar (77 in the final round). The two best scores are taken into account for deciding the team medals, and India ended 14-under 546, well behind gold-winners China (22-under 538).

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Pranavi Urs becomes India's first woman golfer to win Asian Games gold, guiding a team silver with a dramatic final-round comeback.

Archery | Kumkum wins historic recurve gold

Teenager Kumkum Mohod kept her composure under pressure to clinch gold in the women’s individual recurve event at the Asian Games, defeating South Korea’s Oh Yejin in a shoot-out.

With the victory, Kumkum became the first Indian woman to win an Asian Games medal in the individual recurve event.

After the scores were tied at 5-5, Kumkum shot a 10 in the shoot out, while Oh managed an 8 to hand the Indian the gold medal.

Kumkum had also secured an Olympic quota place for India by reaching the semifinals, defeating China’s Jingyi Zhu 6-2.

Kumkum secured one of the two available quota places for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The quota, as per the rules, belongs to the country.

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Kumkum Mohod wins historic Asian Games recurve gold, secures India’s Olympic quota in a shoot-out victory.

Archery | Kumkum women's recurve final; secures LA Olympics quota for India

Continuing her medal run, teenager Kumkum Mohod stormed into the women’s individual recurve final with a 6-2 win over China’s Jingyi Zhu here on Saturday (October 3, 2026). By virtue of reaching the gold medal round, Kumkum also secured one of the two available quotas reserved for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The quota as per norms belongs to the country.

The 17-year-old defeated Zhu 28-27, 30-30, 29-29, and 29-28 to become the first Indian recurve archer to win a medal in the women’s individual event, assuring herself of at least a silver medal.

Indian Kurash player Yash Kumar Chauhan fails dope test in Asian Games

Indian Kurash player Yash Kumar Chauhan has returned positive for a banned substance in an in-competition sample taken on September 27 during the Asian Games, and he has been provisionally suspended with immediate effect, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) announced on Saturday (October 3, 2026).

“The International Testing Agency (ITA), on behalf of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), reports that a sample collected from Kurash athlete Yash Kumar Chauhan (IND) has returned an Adverse Analytical Finding for the non-specified prohibited substances Metandienone metabolites, GW1516 metabolites, Mephentermine and its metabolite,” the OCA said in a statement.

“Metandienone is prohibited under the WADA Prohibited List as S1.1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS). It is prohibited at all times (in- and out-of-competition) and is a non-specified substance. Metandienone is a potent anabolic steroid which increases testosterone levels, causing muscle-mass growth, endurance and strength.

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Indian kurash athlete Yash Kumar Chauhan tests positive for multiple banned substances at Asian Games, receives provisional suspension.

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