Asian Games
Asian Games 2026: Women's cricket brings India's first gold - Highlights
Highlights from Asian Games 2026 on September 22, with India in action in cricket, badminton, shooting, hockey, table tennis, kabaddi, boxing, wushu and more.
Asian Games 2026 LIVE: India eye cricket gold – Blog, updates (Photo credit: PTI)
India finally opened its gold medal account at the Asian Games 2026 on September 22, with the women’s cricket team beating Sri Lanka by 147 runs to retain the title.
Batting first, India posted 216, powered by a 99-run opening stand between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, followed by a late assault from Richa Ghosh. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 69 in 15.4 overs, with India’s spinners sharing the wickets.
Badminton provided another major boost as India’s men’s team secured a medal by beating Japan 3-0 in the quarterfinals. Lakshya Sen began the tie with a three-game win over Kodai Naraoka before Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated former world champions Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi. Ayush Shetty then sealed the tie against Koki Watanabe.
On the hockey field, India’s men produced another dominant display, defeating Sri Lanka 16-1. Jugraj Singh scored four goals while Abhishek added three.
Wushu also added to India’s medal tally, with Roshibina Devi reaching the podium in the women’s 60kg category. In boxing, Sakshi Chaudhary defeated 2024 Olympic bronze medallist Aira Villegas 5-0, while Jadumani Singh also began his campaign with a unanimous win.
There were setbacks too. Elavenil Valarivan and Parth Rakesh Mane finished fourth in the mixed 10m air rifle, while India’s women’s badminton team lost 1-3 to Japan in the quarterfinals. The women’s table tennis team also bowed out after losing 0-3 to North Korea in the last eight.
India’s men’s badminton medal ensures another podium finish, while several other events remain in contention as the Games continue.
Highlights:
Live Updates
- 22 Sept 2026 7:11 AM IST
Table Tennis, Women's Team: Sreeja Akula LOSES!
Sreeja Akula is taken down in a thriller. The Indian, despite having a two-game lead, can't hold on.
She goes down 11-7, 11-1, 9-11, 6-11, 10-12 to Orawan Paranang of Thailand.
IND 0-1 THA
- 22 Sept 2026 7:09 AM IST
Badminton, Women’s Team quarterfinal: Sindhu on backfoot
This definitely doesnt look for India. Sindhu trails 4-11 at halftime in teh third and final decider. Both Sindhu and Yamaguchi have won a game each.
Will Sindhu be able to recover the 7 point defecit??
- 22 Sept 2026 7:05 AM IST
Badminton, Women’s Team quarterfinal: Yamaguchi in lead
Yamaguchi starts off the decider with an upperhand and four point cushion at 7-3.
- 22 Sept 2026 7:04 AM IST
Shooting, Mixed 10m air rifle: Elavenil-Parth move to the final!
And as expected, Elavenil Valarivan and Parth Mane have done enough in the qualification round.
They finish second with a total of 634.6 to book their spot in the final behind China's world record 638.9!
Ela and Parth will return for the final at 8:25am IST, where they'll hope to get India's first gold of the 2026 Asian Games.
- 22 Sept 2026 7:03 AM IST
Sepak Takraw, Men's Team Regu: India trails 0-1
Indian men start slowly against Malaysia, conceding the first match to trail 0-1 in the tie.
India lost 2-1 (13-15, 15-11, 6-15) in the opening match.
Yesterday, India lost to Japan 1-2 in their opening match. Top two teams from the group matches will advance to the quarterfinals.
- 22 Sept 2026 6:59 AM IST
Table Tennis, Women's Team: Sreeja Akula forced into a decider
The Indian is unable to keep up with Orawan's constant attacks and has been forced into a defensive shell.
- 22 Sept 2026 6:58 AM IST
Badminton, Women’s Team quarterfinal: Sindhu concedes
Yamaguchi has a handful of game points. Sindhu saves one but her backhand fails to clear the net in the next point. Sindhu concedes the second game 18-21.
The match goes into decider.
- 22 Sept 2026 6:53 AM IST
Badminton, Women’s Team quarterfinal: Sindhu still in the game
Sindhu is trailing by three points at 14-17. The Indian would prefer to wind this match in this game.
And she does! Wins two points to inch closer at 16-17 only to fall behind again at 16-19.
- 22 Sept 2026 6:47 AM IST
Soft Tennis, Men's Singles: Jay Meena v/s Pakistan
Jay Meena, arguably India's best soft tennis player, opens his men's singles campaign. He goes up against Pakistan's Hussain Arain in Group D.
- 22 Sept 2026 6:47 AM IST
Badminton, Women’s Team quarterfinal: Sindhu holding on
A big hard smash from Sindhu levels the score at 5-all. She repeats her attack, but a wrong judgement and shuttle on the net takes the score to 7-all.
Yamaguchi is quick to pocket some crucial points to lead 11-9. But the Indian is not letting this slip. Scores at 11-all.
