India’s kabaddi teams compete for gold as PV Sindhu begins badminton campaign at Asian Games 2026

India’s men’s and women’s kabaddi teams will compete for gold medals at the Asian Games 2026, while two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu will begin her women’s singles badminton campaign on Saturday.

Both kabaddi finals will take place at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The women’s final is scheduled for the morning, followed by the men’s final in the afternoon. The Indian men’s team will seek their ninth Asian Games gold medal, and the women’s team will aim for their fourth title.

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In badminton, Sindhu will lead India’s challenge after the unexpected elimination of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty from the men’s doubles event. Lakshya Sen will also compete in the men’s singles against Singapore’s former world champion Loh Kean Yew.

In athletics, Gulveer Singh will compete in the 1500m heats after winning silver in the 10,000m event. Parul Chaudhary and Pooja are set to participate in the women’s 1500m final. Tajinderpal Singh Toor will attempt to secure a third consecutive Asian Games gold medal in the men’s shot put, and Praveen Chithravel will compete in the men’s triple jump final aiming to improve on his bronze from Hangzhou 2023.

India also has medal prospects in the men’s marathon with Sawan Barwal and Kartik Karkera, as well as in the men’s and women’s 400m finals. Tejaswin Shankar, Jyothi Yarraji and Animesh Kujur will compete in qualifying rounds for their events.

The archery competition will commence with qualification rounds as the Indian contingent seeks to extend its strong performance following nine medals in Hangzhou 2023.

In boxing, Jadumani Singh Mandengbam, Kapil Pokhariya and Priya Ghanghas will compete for places in the quarter-finals.

Squash players Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh, who have reached the semi-finals and secured medals, will aim to progress further. Anahat will face Japan’s world number six Satomi Watanabe, while Abhay takes on Pakistan’s Irfan Muhammad.

Shooting events will continue with the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions competition. The Indian men’s hockey team will face host nation Japan in a crucial match as they seek to advance towards the semi-finals.

India will also have medal opportunities in canoe sprint, fencing and esports. Sailing will be introduced to the Games programme on Saturday.