PT Usha Celebrates Women's Cricket Gold and Anticipates Shooter Success

PT Usha Celebrates Cricket Gold, Optimistic About Shooters

The president of the Indian Olympic Association, PT Usha, expressed her delight over the women's cricket team's gold medal victory at the 2026 Asian Games, while also showing confidence in the shooters to secure gold medals in the ongoing event.

In the women's T20 cricket final held on Tuesday, India triumphed over Sri Lanka by 147 runs, marking their second consecutive gold medal at the Asian Games. This victory also marked India's first gold in the current edition, bringing their total medal count to seven, which includes one gold, four silver, and two bronze medals.

After the match, Usha shared her confidence in the Indian women's team and reminisced about her efforts to include cricket in the Asian Games. "We have just begun. Our shooters performed well over the last two days, and while we could have secured a gold, I remain optimistic. I believe they will bring home a gold medal without a doubt. I'm thrilled that our cricketers achieved gold. I was part of the Coordination Committee for Japan's organization of this event, and I advocated for the inclusion of both men's and women's cricket. Witnessing them win gold is a joy," Usha stated.

When asked about her satisfaction with India's overall performance, the former athlete encouraged patience, noting that the Games still have several days left. "Yes, I'm pleased with the initial results, but we need to be patient. More gold medals are on the way, so there's no need to rush. The Games conclude on October 3rd," she added with a laugh.

Sports Minister Applauds 'Women in Blue'

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also extended his congratulations to the Indian women's team for their championship win. "Gold for the Women in Blue at #AsianGames2026! Heartfelt congratulations to our champions for clinching the gold medal in the Women’s T20 Cricket final. A proud moment for the entire nation," Mandaviya shared in a post on social media.

Dominant Final Performance Secures Gold

India showcased a commanding performance in the final, setting a challenging target of 216/3 after being invited to bat. Smriti Mandhana led the scoring with an impressive 79 runs off 45 balls, while Shafali Verma contributed a quick 48 runs off 29 balls. Richa Ghosh added a late surge with an unbeaten 49 runs off just 22 balls.

Mandhana's innings featured five fours and seven sixes, marking her 37th half-century in T20 internationals. She also became the first female cricketer to surpass 11,000 runs in international cricket.

The Indian bowlers then dismantled the Sri Lankan batting order, bowling them out for just 69 runs in 15.4 overs. Deepti Sharma was the standout bowler with figures of 3/6, while Shafali Verma and Shreyanka Patil each took two wickets, and Shree Charani also claimed two wickets.

India's Medal Tally Update

This 147-run victory secured India's second consecutive gold in women's cricket at the Asian Games, following their win in Hangzhou in 2023.

Prior to the cricket final on Tuesday, India had already amassed four silver and two bronze medals. On Day 2, the men's 10m air rifle team, consisting of Himanshu Dhillon, Rudrankksh Patil, and Parth Mane, won silver, with Dhillon and Patil also earning individual medals. Additionally, MMA fighter Suchika Tariyal secured a bronze medal.