India Shines at Asian Games 2026: Sprint and Kabaddi Highlights

Women's Sprint and Hurdles Success

India's aspirations in the women's sprint and hurdles events at the Asian Games 2026 remain strong, as Nandhini Kongan has successfully qualified for the 100m hurdles final. Additionally, Harita Bhadra and Unnathi Bolland have both advanced to the women's 200m final. Kongan clocked a time of 13.48 seconds, finishing fourth in Heat 2 of the 100m hurdles. She secured her spot in the final with a 'q' qualification, trailing behind Japan's Mako Fukube (12.85s), China's Yanni Wu (13.18s), and Indonesia's Dina Aulia (13.39s). Notably, Kongan's advancement followed the absence of India's Jyothi Yarraji, who did not participate in her heat.

In the women's 200m event, Harita Bhadra kicked off her Asian Games journey with a commendable performance, finishing second in her heat with a time of 23.31 seconds, which guaranteed her automatic qualification for the final. Bhadra was just behind Singapore's Veronica Shanti Pereira, who also recorded a time of 23.31 seconds. Furthermore, Unnathi Bolland secured her place in the final by finishing third in her heat with a time of 23.33 seconds. With both athletes qualifying, India will have two representatives in the women's 200m final set for Sunday.

India Triumphs in Men's Kabaddi

In a thrilling match earlier, India showcased an impressive second-half performance to overcome Iran 40-34, securing the gold medal in the men's kabaddi event at the Asian Games 2026 on Saturday. After trailing 17-18 at halftime, the Indian team came out strong in the second half, taking control of the game and ultimately clinching victory.