Asian Games 2026: Cricket, hockey semi-finals headline India’s Day 12 schedule
India faces high-stakes matches in cricket, hockey, and volleyball on Day 12 of the Asian Games 2026. Check the full schedule here.
India's quest for glory at the Asian Games 2026 reaches a fever pitch on Day 12, with the nation's defending champions in cricket and hockey preparing for crucial knockout matches. As the athletes compete in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, the schedule is packed with high-intensity encounters, including a massive India-Pakistan showdown in volleyball.
Cricket and Hockey: Chasing the Gold
The men's cricket team, captained by Shreyas Iyer, is set to battle Sri Lanka in the semi-final at 10 am IST. With a spot in the final on the line, the Indian squad is determined to march closer to defending their gold medal title from the previous edition.
The intensity shifts to the turf later in the day as Harmanpreet Singh leads the men's hockey team into a high-octane semi-final against arch-rivals Pakistan at 1 pm IST. This match carries immense weight, not just for the medal, but also for momentum in the race for early qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The Rivalry Continues in Volleyball
The India-Pakistan rivalry is not limited to the pitch or the field. In the men's volleyball quarter-finals, the two nations will face off at 6:30 am IST, adding even more adrenaline to the morning schedule.
Multi-Sport Medal Opportunities
India's hunt for more hardware spans across several disciplines on Thursday:
- Shooting: Anish Bhanwala competes in the second stage of qualification for the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol at 6:10 am IST. Currently sitting in fifth place, he could head to the final at noon if he qualifies.
- Archery: Following their success in team events, the individual compound events feature Chikitha Taniparthi (women's quarter-final at 5:30 am IST) and Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru (men's quarter-final at 9:47 am IST).
- Squash: Both Indian teams are guaranteed at least a bronze. The women face Hong Kong China in the semi-final at 7 am IST, while the men take on Malaysia at 1 pm IST.
- Wrestling: Sumit Dalal, Aman, Nitesh Kumar, and Mansi Ahlawat begin their campaigns, with potential medal bouts starting from 2:30 pm IST.
- Judo: Yamini Mourya and Inunganbi Takhellambam start their morning sessions, with medal opportunities possible from 1:30 pm IST.
- Cycling: Harshveer Singh Sekhon competes in the men's omnium, while Harshita Jakhar and Swasti Singh contest the women's madison final at 12:18 pm IST.
Tennis and Rugby Action
In tennis, Sumit Nagal faces a tough test against China’s Wu Yibing in the men's singles quarter-final at 6:30 am IST. Meanwhile, the women's rugby sevens team kicks off their campaign against Hong Kong China at 8:50 am IST, followed by a clash with the People’s Republic of China at 3:30 pm IST.
India enters Day 12 in eighth place in the overall medal standings, boasting a total of 60 medals, consisting of 10 gold, 21 silver, and 29 bronze. The busy schedule offers a massive opportunity to climb higher in the rankings.