Asian Games 2026: India’s medal tally swells to 37 after seven-medal haul on Day 8
India reaches 37 medals at the Asian Games 2026 after a seven-medal haul on Day 8, including historic squash silver and athletics records.
India continued its momentum at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, adding seven more medals to its collection on Sunday. Despite the significant haul, the lack of a gold medal on the eighth day caused India to slip from 10th to 12th in the overall standings.
By the end of Day 8, India's total medal count reached 37, consisting of 4 gold, 16 silver, and 17 bronze medals. While the country saw stellar individual performances, particularly in athletics and squash, competitors ranked above India continued to accumulate gold medals, widening the gap in the standings.
Athletics: Records and podium finishes
The track and field events provided the bulk of the day's success, highlighted by a historic performance from Parul Chaudhary. She secured a bronze medal in the women's 3000m steeplechase, clocking a national record of 9:08.67. This performance marks her second Asian Games medal in this discipline, following her silver at the 2023 Hangzhou Games.
Other notable athletics results included:
- Sarvesh Kushare: Secured silver in the men's high jump with a clearance of 2.25m.
- Ancy Sojan: Earned silver in the women's long jump with a leap of 6.53m.
- Harita Bhadra: Claimed bronze in the women's 200m with a time of 23.20 seconds.
- Tejaswin Shankar: Clinched bronze in the men's decathlon with a total of 7,934 points, finishing strongly by winning the final 1500m event.
Squash: Historic silver for Anahat Singh
India’s quest for a squash gold continued as both Indian finalists finished as runners-up. In a historic milestone, Anahat Singh became the first Indian woman to reach an Asian Games squash singles final. However, she fell to Malaysia's Sivasangari Subramaniam in straight games (11-4, 11-4, 11-7).
On the men's side, Abhay Singh also finished with a silver medal after losing his final to Malaysia's Ng Eain Yow (11-9, 11-5, 11-5).
Boxing: Semifinal breakthroughs
The Indian contingent received a significant boost in the boxing ring. Parveen Hooda, Ankush Panghal, and Narender have all advanced to the semifinals, guaranteeing at least three more medals for the Indian squad.
Summary of India's Standings after Day 8
The day's performance leaves India in a competitive but challenging position as the games progress:
- Total Medals: 37
- Gold: 4
- Silver: 16
- Bronze: 17
- Overall Rank: 12th