Asian Games: Men's cricket, javelin, steeplechase headline India's Day 9 schedule
India kicks off its men's cricket campaign and eyes medals in athletics, boxing, and shooting on Day 9 of the Asian Games 2026.
India enters a high-stakes Monday at the Asian Games 2026 with a massive medal hunt on the horizon. Following a productive Day 8 that brought the national tally to 37 medals—comprising four gold, 16 silver, and 17 bronze—the Indian contingent is prepared for a packed schedule featuring cricket, athletics, boxing, and shooting.
Cricket Campaign Kicks Off Against Afghanistan
The spotlight shines brightly on the men's cricket team as they begin their quest for glory. Entering the tournament at the quarter-final stage, India will face a formidable Afghanistan side at the Korogi Athletic Park. This match carries significant weight, as the defending champions aim to replicate their success from the Hangzhou 2023 games, where they defeated Afghanistan in the final to secure gold.
Athletics: A Major Medal Opportunity
The evening session of the athletics programme promises to be a blockbuster, with nine finals featuring Indian athletes. The track and field events are set to be a primary source of podium finishes for the nation.
Steeplechase and Javelin Focus
- Avinash Sable: All eyes are on the Hangzhou silver medallist as he makes a highly anticipated return to the 3000m steeplechase following a lengthy injury layoff.
- Men's Javelin: In the absence of the legendary Neeraj Chopra, the mantle falls to Commonwealth Games medallist Yash Vir Singh and Rohit Yadav. They face stiff competition from Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem and Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga as they attempt to maintain India's gold-medal streak in this event.
- Other Track Events: Gulveer Singh will compete in the 1500m, while Parul Chaudhary takes on the women's 5000m. Both athletes have already tasted success in the current games.
- Long Jump: Murali Sreeshankar and David Patturaj Solomon will represent India in the men's long jump.
Boxing and Shooting: One Win Away from Glory
In the ring and on the range, several Indian athletes find themselves on the cusp of securing medals.
Boxing: Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain is set for a crucial 75kg quarter-final clash against South Korea's Seong Suyeon. A win here guarantees her a place on the podium. Similarly, Priya Ghanghas and Kapil Pokhariya are just one victory away from securing their respective medals.
Shooting: Manu Bhaker enters her final opportunity of the Games, aiming for an individual medal in the women's 25m pistol qualification. She will be joined by teammates Esha Singh and Rahi Sarnobat in the competition.
Squash, Archery, and Hockey Updates
The action extends across multiple disciplines as the games progress:
- Squash: After securing silver in the singles, Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh look to redeem themselves as the competition shifts to team events.
- Archery: In the individual compound events, Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Chikitha Taniparthi will compete in the women's draw, while Sahil Jadhav and Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru represent India in the men's category.
- Hockey: The Indian men's hockey team concludes its Pool A campaign with a match against Bangladesh.
- Other Sports: India will also be represented in Kurash by Pincky Balhara, with continued action in volleyball and tennis.
With a diverse array of events spanning multiple sports, India is poised to build on the momentum of Sunday's seven-medal haul and push deeper into the medal standings.