India Eyes Medals and Olympic Spots at Asian Games 2026

As the Asian Games 2026 unfold, India is poised for a strong performance with numerous medal opportunities across various sports. Key events include the compound archery semi-finals, women's hockey against South Korea, and boxing matches featuring top athletes. With Olympic qualifications on the line, the stakes are high for Indian competitors. From wrestling to tennis, the day promises thrilling contests and potential glory for the nation. Stay tuned for updates on India's journey towards Olympic dreams and medal success.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 30, 2026, 05:52 IST

India's Medal Aspirations at Asian Games 2026

Aichi-Nagoya [Japan], September 30: On Wednesday, India is set to pursue numerous medal opportunities and Olympic qualifications at the Asian Games 2026, particularly in events like compound archery, hockey, shooting, boxing, and wrestling.

Chikitha Taniparthi and Sahil Jadhav are gearing up for the compound mixed team semi-final against Thailand, with the Asian Games champions securing a quota for the LA 2028 Olympics. Additionally, India is expected to contend for medals in both the men's and women's compound team events on Day 11 of the Games, as reported by Olympics.com.

The women's hockey team is scheduled to compete against South Korea in the semi-finals, where a victory would bring them closer to direct qualification for the LA Olympics 2028.

Neeru Dhanda, fresh off her individual gold medal win, will participate in the mixed-team trap event alongside Kynan Chenai.

In boxing, athletes Priya Ghanghas, Lovlina Borgohain, and Kapil Pokhariya are aiming to reach the finals, while India's wrestling campaign kicks off with Nisha Dahiya and Sunil Kumar taking the mat. Other medal hopefuls will also compete in judo, canoe slalom, squash, track cycling, and tennis.

In archery, India's compound teams are poised for multiple medal opportunities. Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Prithika Pradeep, and Chikitha Taniparthi will face South Korea in the women's team semi-final at 5:55 AM, followed by potential bronze and gold medal matches.

Chikitha Taniparthi and Sahil Jadhav will take on Thailand in the compound mixed team semi-final at 7:55 AM, with medal matches to follow. Meanwhile, Sahil Jadhav, Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru, and Kushal Dalal will compete against South Korea in the men's team semi-final at 10:55 AM.

In boxing, Priya Ghanghas is set to face China's Yang Chengyu in the women's 60kg semi-final at 10:15 AM, while Lovlina Borgohain will compete against Kazakhstan's Natalya Bogdanova in the women's 75kg semi-final at 10:45 AM. Kapil Pokhariya will also be in action against Uzbekistan's Turabek Khabibullaev in the men's 90kg semi-final at 12:00 PM.

The Indian women's hockey team will meet South Korea in the semi-final at 3:30 PM, with a win crucial for their hopes of securing a direct spot at the LA 2028 Olympics.

In shooting, gold medalist Neeru Dhanda will return for the trap mixed team qualification alongside Kynan Chenai at 6:30 AM, with the final set for 11:00 AM if they qualify. Anish Bhanwala will also compete in the men's 25m rapid fire pistol qualification starting at 6:10 AM.

India's wrestling campaign kicks off with Nisha Dahiya in the women's 68kg opening round against DPR Korea's Pak Sol Gum at 7:00 AM. Asian Games medalist Sunil Kumar will compete in the men's Greco-Roman 87kg event, with medal matches to follow if they advance.

In squash, the women's team, including Anahat Singh, Joshna Chinappa, Tanvi Khanna, and Shameena Riaz, will face Singapore in the quarter-finals at 6:30 AM, while the men's team, featuring Abhay Singh, Veer Chotrani, Velavan Senthilkumar, and Suraj Kumar Chand, will take on Kuwait at 11:00 AM.

In tennis, Sumit Nagal and Dhakshineswar Suresh will compete in the men's singles third round, while Indian pairs will participate in the men's doubles quarter-finals. Anirudh Chandrasekar and N Sriram Balaji will face China's Jiang Fumin and Zhang Tianhui, while Yuki Bhambri and Dhakshineswar Suresh will take on Chinese Taipei's Ho Chenjui and Hsu Yu-hsiou. Yuki Bhambri and Rutuja Bhosale will also compete in the mixed doubles third round.

India will also be represented in canoe slalom, cycling, judo, sailing, sport climbing, esports, golf, and sepaktakraw. Pradhyumna Singh Rathod, Hitesh Kewat, Rina Sen, and Pallavi Jagtap will compete in the canoe slalom semi-finals, while Asmita Dey begins her judo women's 48kg campaign. Sarita Kumari and Keerthi Rangaswamy Chikka will feature in track cycling, and Joga Purty will compete in sport climbing.

The day will also showcase Indian athletes in golf, sailing, and esports, with the Indian League of Legends team facing Hong Kong China, South Korea, and Chinese Taipei in Group B matches.