Indian wushu athletes Suraj Singh Mayanglambam, Aparna Dahiya, and Vikrant Baliyan faced mixed fortunes at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Indian Teqball players Declan Marshall Gonsalves and Mohamed Anas Imran Beg were eliminated from the men's doubles medal race at the Asian Games in Nagoya after losing both their group matches. Despite strong domestic and some international success, the duo could not secure a win in their debut Asian Games appearance for the sport.
Indian soft tennis players Aadhya Tiwari and Jay Meena were eliminated from the Asian Games mixed doubles event in the round of 16 after a 2-5 loss to the Philippines pair. They had qualified for the knockout stage by finishing second in their group with two wins.
The Asian Games shooting range in Nagoya has implemented a strict dress code for photographers and TV cameramen, leading to some confusion among media personnel. While the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) has long had such rules, the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee has made them exceptionally clear, even requiring a video journalist to change from blue to black jeans. The rules aim to maintain a professional appearance and distinguish shooting as a sport, reflecting Japan's meticulous approach to event organisation.
The Asian Games, a major multi-sport event, has a long history of controversies extending beyond the sporting arena. From diplomatic disputes and selection rows to doping scandals and disputed decisions, these incidents have often highlighted the intersection of politics, national interests, and sports.
India's Quimcy Joaquim Dsouza has reached the women's singles semifinals in Teqball at the Asian Games, securing a chance for the country's first-ever medal in the sport. She defeated top-seeded Yuina Sakamoto and Cambodia's Koemyean DY to top her group, and a win in the semifinals will guarantee a historic medal.
China's dominant table tennis team is preparing for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, bringing a mix of Olympic champions and young debutants. They are wary of the host nation Japan, particularly in the women's game, while also focusing on developing talent for the 2028 Olympics.
India's Quimcy Joaquim Dsouza has made a strong start at the 2026 Asian Games, securing two victories in the Teqball women's singles event to reach the semi-finals.
The Indian men's kabaddi team commenced its Asian Games title defence with a decisive 49-24 victory over hosts Japan in their opening Group A fixture.
India's men's 4x100m medley relay team finished last in the final at the Asian Games, clocking 3:44.26. Earlier, Aryan Nehra placed fourth in the 1500m freestyle Final B.
India's shooting campaign at the Asian Games faced a setback as Elavenil Valarivan and Parth Mane finished fourth in the 10m air rifle mixed team final, extending the country's wait for a gold medal. Despite strong qualification, the Indian pair struggled in the final, while China secured gold with a world record. This follows other near-misses for India, highlighting the intense competition and the need to convert strong starts into medals. The focus now shifts to upcoming events, including Manu Bhaker's participation.
The Indian men's badminton team secured a medal at the Asian Games by defeating Japan 3-0 in the quarterfinals, highlighted by Lakshya Sen's incredible comeback victory. While the men celebrated, the women's team exited the tournament after a 1-3 loss to Japan.
Defending champions India's women's cricket team is set to face Bangladesh in the Asian Games semifinal. With a dominant head-to-head record, India aims to continue their winning streak, while Bangladesh will rely on their spinners to challenge the strong Indian batting lineup for a spot in the final.
Defending champions Indian men's and women's kabaddi teams have made strong starts to their Asian Games campaign, securing decisive victories over Japan and Bangladesh in their respective opening matches. The men's team defeated hosts Japan 49-24, while the women's team overcame Bangladesh 42-21.
A senior coach from India's shooting contingent for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games has voiced disappointment over the logistical arrangements, particularly the long travel times to the training venue.
Defending champions India are set to face lower-ranked Sri Lanka in their second Pool A match of the Asian Games men's hockey competition.
Indian boxer Sumit Kundu secured a unanimous 5-0 victory over Thailand's Bunjong Sinsiri in the 70kg opening round of the Asian Games. Kundu, who previously missed a medal at the Commonwealth Games, now advances to the pre-quarterfinals and aims for a gold medal.
The Indian men's and women's hockey teams are set to compete at the Asian Games in Kakamigahara, Japan, with the primary goal of winning gold to secure direct qualification for the Paris Olympics. The men's team aims to defend its title and overcome recent World Cup disappointment, while the women's team, buoyed by a strong World Cup performance, seeks only its second Asian Games gold. Both teams face tough competition, with the men needing to prove their dominance against regional rivals and the women confronting a strong Chinese side.
Indian men's hockey coach Craig Fulton discusses the team's preparations for the Asian Games, aiming to defend their title and secure direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Olympian Maheshwari Chauhan discusses the significance of India's historic women's skeet bronze medal at the Asian Games, highlighting it as a turning point for the discipline. She believes the medal, achieved with Raiza Dhillon and Parinaaz Dhaliwal, signals a new era for Indian shotgun shooting, driven by a younger generation, improved training, and a stronger foundational ecosystem.
The 20th Asian Games have officially commenced in Nagoya, Japan, with a vibrant opening ceremony. Emperor Naruhito declared the Games open, which saw contingents from 45 nations and the OCA Refugee Team participate in the athletes' parade.
Jay Meena, once a mischievous schoolboy rusticated for a prank, has made history by winning India's first-ever Asian Games medal in soft tennis. His journey from a troubled youth to a bronze medallist at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games is a testament to destiny and the guidance of his coach. Meena hopes his achievement will boost the sport's profile in India and pave the way for its inclusion in future events like the Commonwealth Games.
Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation, has announced he will compete as a doubles player in the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
India women's head coach Amol Muzumdar and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur view the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games as crucial preparation and a 'teaser' for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where women's cricket will make its debut, aiming to carry their winning mindset into both global events.
Indian women's boxing head coach Santiago Nieva is confident the team can secure an elusive gold medal at the upcoming Asian Games, building on their strong performance at the Commonwealth Games. Despite facing tough competition from powerhouses like China and Kazakhstan, Nieva believes the current squad is the best the country has seen and is capable of overcoming challenges, including previous struggles against Chinese opponents, by focusing on controlling bouts.
India's Asian Games athletics team has been reduced from 77 to 74 members, with javelin thrower Annu Rani, long jumper Shahnavaz Khan, and sprinter Nithya Gandhe dropped due to performance and medical reasons after a confirmatory trial.
After the second day of competitions at the Aich-Nagoya Asian Games, China has taken a commanding lead in the medal tally with 38 medals, including 23 golds. Japan and Republic of Korea follow in second and third place respectively. India is currently ranked 12th with a total of 6 medals, comprising 4 silver and 2 bronze.
Indian MMA fighter Varun Sanyal faced a challenging Asian Games debut, marked by logistical issues and a medical disqualification due to a weight-cutting incident. Despite the setback, Sanyal, an Indian citizen with Singapore PR, shares his journey in MMA, his 'fighting nomad' lifestyle, and his aspirations for Indian fighters.
India's Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra discusses the emotional and physical challenges of missing the Asian Games due to a ligament injury. He shares his process of accepting the setback, focusing on rehabilitation, and preparing for future competitions, while also offering advice to fellow athletes and aspiring javelin throwers.
Wushu player Divyanshi Choudhary has accepted the national federation's decision to drop her from the Asian Games squad due to an ACL tear.
A 20-member Indian fencing squad, led by Olympian C A Bhavani Devi, has departed for Japan to participate in the Asian Games.
Indian air rifle shooter Elavenil Valarivan secured a silver medal at the Asian Games, despite initially leading the final. She expressed contentment with the result, viewing it as a crucial learning experience focused on process over outcome. This marks her third consecutive individual silver at major Asian competitions, and she also contributed to India's team silver. The medal holds personal significance as her first at the Asian Games, achieved after eight years, and she credits her coach's guidance.
At just 13, Yu Zidi claimed her second Asian Games gold by smashing the 200m IM Asian record, finishing only 0.40 seconds behind Summer McIntosh's world record.
India's badminton contingent is set to begin its Asian Games campaign, with the men's team aiming to improve on their previous silver medal and the women's team seeking a second medal. Key players like Lakshya Sen, Satwik-Chirag, PV Sindhu, and Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand are expected to lead the charge against strong opponents like Japan, China, and Korea in both team and individual events.
A 17-year-old Indian swimmer, who had qualified for two events at the Asian Games, has been suspended for 18 months after testing positive for terbutaline, a banned substance. The suspension means he will miss the upcoming continental event in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, starting September 19.
Indian women's cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her joy and hope after securing a gold medal at the Asian Games, defeating Sri Lanka. She believes this victory will inspire other Indian athletes to win more medals and highlighted the team's focus on adapting to conditions despite initial concerns about facilities in Japan. Kaur also reflected on the unique experience of winning a medal for the country compared to traditional trophies.
The Indian women's table tennis team secured a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against Singapore in the Asian Games Group F match, with Sreeja Akula and Yashaswini Ghorpade delivering crucial wins. In contrast, the Indian men's team suffered a 0-3 defeat to Iran in their Group F encounter.
Indian women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne discusses the team's preparations and strategy for the upcoming Asian Games. He highlights the different challenge posed by lower-ranked opponents compared to the World Cup, emphasising the need for effective scoring and maintaining focus. Marijne also stresses using the World Cup disappointment as motivation for gold and the importance of humility and unity within the team.
Fariba Hashimi, who disguised herself as a man and faced attacks while cycling in Afghanistan, fled to Italy and now uses her Asian Games journey to inspire women.
An Indian swimmer, who had qualified for the Asian Games, has been suspended for 18 months after testing positive for terbutaline, a banned substance. This suspension means the 17-year-old will miss the upcoming continental event in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, despite his twin brother being part of the team.
