Asianet Newsable

Asian Games 2026: Indian Women’s Hockey Team’s ‘Champion’ Dance After Gold Medal Win Goes Viral (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sat, 03 Oct 2026 03:02:16 +0530

The Indian women’s hockey team scripted a historic feat with a gold medal following a victory over China at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya on Friday, October 2. The Women in Blue defeated China 1-0 in the final at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara City.

Lalremsiami Hmarzote, who played her milestone 200th international match, was the hero behind India's historic triumph, scoring a brilliant tomahawk in the 10th minute to give the Women in Blue a 1-0 lead. India’s strong defence and Savita Punia’s goalkeeping brilliance ensured that India remained ahead across four quarters.

With this gold medal, the Indian women’s hockey team ended a 44-year drought of Asian Games titles, last winning the coveted crown back in the 1982 New Delhi edition. Their historic triumph also secured Women in Blue a direct quota for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, capping off a remarkable campaign in Japan.

Also Read: Asian Games: India vs Pakistan cricket final, hockey medal on the line

India Women’s Hockey ‘Champion’ Dance Goes Viral

As India women’s hockey team clinched a historic Asian Games gold medal after 44 years and earning a direct quota for the Los Olympics, the dressing room turned into an absolute scene of jubilation.

After celebrating the victory on the turf, the celebrations shifted to the dressing room before the medal ceremony, where every player in the squad proudly wore their hard-earned gold around their necks. In a video posted by Hockey India on its X (formerly Twitter), the players were seen in players were seen in high spirits, chanting and dancing to Dwayne Bravo’s iconic track ‘Champion’

Bravo’s ‘Champion’ song became the ultimate global sporting anthem for unbridled victory celebrations, and the Indian women’s hockey team made sure to keep that tradition alive as they fittingly crowned themselves champions of Asia.

, ! Everybody knows say the Indian Women’s Team are CHAMPIONS! The gold is ours, and the celebrations are only getting started! #HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #AsianGames2026 #AichiNagoya2026 pic.twitter.com/bwjLi9EhA6

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) October 2, 2026

Indian women’s hockey team’s chances of winning a gold medal were apparently not given much importance at the start of their campaign, given that they won the Asian Games title back in 1982, facing formidable opponents and defending champions like China along the way.

However, Salima Tete-led side proved all doubters wrong with an unforgettable, gutsy campaign that will inspire generations to come. In the last edition of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, the Women in Blue won the bronze medal.

Dwayne Bravo Reacts to India Women’s Hockey Celebration

The Indian women’s hockey team celebration by grooving to his iconic track quickly caught the attention of Dwayne Bravo himself, who took to social media to share his appreciation for the historic triumph.

Taking to his handle, Bravo congratulated the Women in Blue and hailed them for a superb job, writing:

“A big congrats to this India team. Super job to the new Champions."

A big congrats to this India team. Super job to the new Champions https://t.co/kEUMYEXFmV

— Dwayne DJ Bravo (@DJBravo47) October 2, 2026

Meanwhile, India men’s team will look to defend the Asian Games gold medal when they take on Malaysia at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, the same venue where the women’s team won the gold medal, on Saturday, October 3.

Also Read: Asian Games Hockey: Deepika shines as India bags historic women's gold

Asian Games 2026: Pakistan Volleyball Captain Slams Wrong Venue Blunder and Zero Warm-Up Time (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 16:55:17 +0530

Pakistan volleyball captain Murad Jehan has hit out at the organisers of the Asian Games 2026 in Japan after the team was taken to the wrong venue for their crucial match against Uzbekistan, plunging their preparation into chaos just an hour before tip-off.

Pakistan defeated Uzbekistan 3-0 in their second match of the group stage at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium on Monday, September 28. Earlier, the Murad Jehan-led side defeated Kazakhstan 3-1 in their group stage opener, continuing their stellar campaign with back-to-back wins at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

As Pakistan managed to secure a crucial victory over Uzbekistan ahead of their final group stage match against hosts Japan, skipper Murad Jehan opened up about the shocking logistical hurdles that nearly derailed their match preparation.

Also Read: Asian Games: Interruptions were 'blessing in disguise', says Esha Singh

‘We Couldn’t Expect This from Japan’

Pakistan’s volleyball team’s preparation ahead of the Uzbekistan match reportedly took a hit after the team bus was taken to the wrong venue instead of the designated Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium. The players were left with barely an hour to prepare after reaching the correct venue.

Speaking in an Instagram video while travelling to the actual venue, Murad Jehan expressed his disappointment over the severe disorganization, detailing how the squad was forced to hastily change into their playing gear inside the bus itself due to the absolute lack of time.

“This is another mismanagement by Japan at the ongoing Asian Games," Murad said in an Instagram video.

“We have a very important game, and the bus driver does not know in which gymnasium we are going to play.

"We couldn't expect this in Japan. There is a lot of mismanagement. Food is not good, and transport has issues. This is not the way the Asian Games should be conducted,” he added.

Pakistan volleyball captain Murad Jehan has criticised the games management in the Asian Games 2026.#Volleball | #Pakistan | #MuradJehan | #AsianGames2026 | #Japan pic.twitter.com/otDvDwIBi5

— Khel Shel (@khelshel) September 28, 2026

The latest complaint regarding the mismanagement by the Asian Games organizers comes as athletes and teams have been increasingly vocal about persistent logistical flaws affecting various delegations in Aichi-Nagoya.

Since the Aichi-Nagoya Games don’t have an athletes' village, the participants were instead dispersed across hotels, temporary container housing, and a chartered cruise ship, logistical snarls and transportation mishaps have severely impacted multiple delegations throughout the event.

Match Delayed by 45 Minutes

After the Pakistan men’s volleyball team was taken to the wrong venue by the bus driver, the official Games communique confirmed that the fixture had to be pushed back by 45 minutes to accommodate their frantic arrival from an arena roughly an hour away.

According to the official Games communique, the transport vehicle mistakenly headed to an entirely different venue instead of the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium, located southeast of the host city, which was an hour away from the intended venue.

“As a result, the team arrived late at the correct competition venue, and we were required to delay the match by 45 minutes," the official Games communique stated.

Pakistan's volleyball team registered its second consecutive win in the ongoing Asian Games with a comfortable 3-0 win over Uzbekistan pic.twitter.com/lHAURuasjZ

— Muneeb Farrukh (@Muneeb313_) September 28, 2026

Meanwhile, the South Korea basketball team has faced a similar experience when their assigned shuttle bus failed to show up ahead of their final match against hosts Japan, forcing them to miss a crucial pre-game shooting session.

The increased complaints over mismanagement by Asian Games organisers have put further scrutiny on the logistical arrangements at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, particularly concerning transportation and athletes' preparation time.

Also Read: Asian Games: India beat Japan 2-1 in women's squash team event

Who Is Beth Dobbin? Ex-British Olympic Sprinter Spends 22 Hours In Bed Daily Due To ME Diagnosis

Hrishikesh Damodar — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 22:29:06 +0530

Former Olympian and UK female sprinter Beth Dobbin has recently made global headlines, especially across the sporting world, following her revelation of her courageous and heartbreaking revelation about battling Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), a severe chronic illness that has left her largely bedbound.

Beth Dobbin retired from her professional career in April this year due to chronic illness, which she previously described as a ‘serious, life-changing health issue.’ Dobbin’s recent interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) further shed light on the crippling reality of living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, revealing that she feels ‘lost everything’

The former sprinter, who was part of the Great Britain team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has been bed-bound for 22 hours a day following her diagnosis with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).

Beth Dobbin Details Her Daily Battle With Severe M.E. Condition

Following her retirement from her athletic career in April 2026, Dobbin disclosed that her symptoms began during the winter of 2021–22 after she contracted back-to-back viral infections from COVID-19 and glandular fever.

Speaking to the BBC, the former British Olympian stated that she has been able to leave her home only ‘five times a day’ over the past year as her health worsened, adding that she leaves her bed only for essential tasks such as eating and using the bathroom, highlighting how her body has changed since contracting the post-viral condition.

Furthermore, Beth Dobbin emphasised that a severe neurological condition has completely stripped away her independence and everyday normalcy.

“It's life-decimating, like I can't even put into words. I feel like I've lost everything. I have still got my family, but I've lost my independence, my health, the ability to work, the ability to exercise." Dobbin told the BBC.

The Olympic sprinter now bedbound for 22 hours a day https://t.co/w9QScAgQgS

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) October 16, 2026

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a complex, multi-system chronic illness characterised by profound physical and cognitive exhaustion that does not improve with rest. Often triggered by viral infections, such as COVID-19 or glandular fever, the neuroimmune condition affects the body's nervous and immune systems, as well as cellular energy production.

Who is Beth Dobbin?

Beth Dobbin’s latest revelation of her health condition has brought her remarkable athletic career back into the spotlight. Born in June 1994, Dobbin is a prominent former British sprinter who established herself as one of the UK’s most decorated track athletes over the 200-metre distance.

Beginning her athletic career at the age of 14, Beth Dobbin steadily worked her way up through domestic appearances before breaking into elite international track and field. She first shot to national fame when she shattered the Scottish 200m record at the UK Women's League Premier Division match in Eton, where she finished with a time of 22.84 seconds.

In 2018, Beth Dobbin made her British debut by participating in the Athletics World Cup in London, where she clinched the bronze medal with a time of 22.95 seconds in the women’s 200m event. In the following year, Dobbin improved her personal best and set a new Scottish record by running 22.50 seconds at the 2019 Muller Anniversary Games in London.

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In 2020, Beth Dobbin made her Olympic debut by representing Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics and reached the semifinals of the women’s 200m. In 2022, the 32-year-old clinched her bronze medal in the women’s 4x400m relay at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. That year, she featured at the European Athletics Championships, but suffered a devastating turn when she lost all feeling in her legs while in the starting blocks, resulting in an uncharacteristic false start.

Thereafter, Beth Dobbin stepped away from her athletic career after being diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and officially drew the curtains on her competitive career on April 13, 2026, ending her professional journey in track and field.

Asian Games 2026: Chinese Swimmer Li Bingjie Pulls Five Gold Medals From Pocket in Viral Moment (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 02:15:37 +0530

The Chinese swimming star Li Bingjie stole the spotlight not only for her performance but also for flexing her five gold medals following the women’s 800m freestyle event at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya on Friday, September 25.

Li Bingjie clinched her fifth gold medal in the women’s 800m freestyle with a time of 8:24.02, while Gan Ching Hwee of Singapore took home the silver medal with a national record of 8:26.25. Japan’s Ichika Kajimoto settled for the bronze after finishing on the podium alongside them with a time of 8:27.37.

Chinese swimmer grabbed the attention of the spectators with her impressive showing across five events, including the 1500m, 800m, and 400m freestyles, and the women’s 4*100m and 4*200m freestyle relay at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.

Also Read: Asian Games 2026: India eyes medals, Olympic quotas on Wednesday

Li Bingjie’s Casual Pocket Flex Steals the Show

As Chinese swimmer Li Bingjie secured her fifth gold medal at the ongoing Aichi-Nagoya Games, what caught the attention of spectators was not just her dominance in the pool, but a delightfully nonchalant celebration that instantly captured global attention.

In a video that went viral, Li Bingjie was seen walking ahead of bronze medalist Ichika Kajimoto of Japan following the women’s 800m freestyle medal ceremony. Kajimoto was following the Chinese swimmer and showed off her bronze medal to everyone present at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, where the swimming event took place.

However, Li Bingjie had her two hands in her sports suit pockets and casually pulled out her four previously won gold medals from the tournament, flashing them all at once, leaving her Japanese opponent apparently bemused by the playful gesture.

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A post shared by 鳳凰資訊 PhoenixTVNews（凤凰资讯） (@phoenixtv_news)

The Asian Games 2026 was Li Bingjie’s third appearance at the quadrennial multi-sport Asian event. In her debut at the 2018 Jakarta Games, the Chinese swimmer clinched five medals, including two gold and three silver. In the 2023 Hangzhou edition, Bingjie won six medals, including 5 gold and a silver.

Across three editions of the Asian Games, Lie Bingjie won a total of 16 medals, including 12 gold and 4 silver, making her one of China’s most successful swimmers at the continental multi-sport event.

How Did China Perform at the Asian Games 2026?

When it comes to the Asian Games, China has always been one of the heavyweight powerhouses of the regional competition, and the ongoing edition in Aichi-Nagoya is no different, as the Chinese contingent has once again dominated and outperformed its rivals across several sporting disciplines, particularly in swimming and other medal-rich events.

At the end of Day 11 of the event, China is at the top of the medal tally with 254 medals, including 143 gold, 62 silver, and 51 bronze. The swimming contingent has grabbed the most medals, with 54, including 30 golds, followed by athletics and diving with 39 and 12 podium finishes, respectively.

In the last edition of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, the hosts China won a historic masterclass, topping the medal table with an astonishing 201 gold, 111 silver, and 71 bronze medals for a total of 383 podium finishes.

China is expected to add more medals to the current tally as the remaining events draw to a close over the final days of the competition.

Also Read: Asian Games: Neeraj Chopra happy as Rohit, Yashvir bag javelin medals

Asian Games 2026: Top 10 Historic Moments That Defined India's 85-Medal Campaign at Aichi-Nagoya

Hrishikesh Damodar — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:42:07 +0530

India ended the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya with a historic fourth-place finish, winning 85 medals, including 21 golds. The campaign featured record-breaking feats and ended long medal droughts in women’s hockey, golf, and trap shooting.

The Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya came to a conclusion with the closing ceremony taking place on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.

With the 16-day continental extravaganza officially drawn to a close, India had an unforgettable campaign, as they clinched 85 medals, including 21 gold, 27 silver, and 37 silver, and finished fourth on the medal tally, a jump from 12th spot earlier in the competition.

As the Aichi-Nagoya Games came to an end, let’s take a look at the top 10 historic moments that defined India’s campaign at the quadrennial multi-sport continental event.

Indian archery contingent won nine medals, including 5 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze. However, 17-year-old prodigy Kumkum Mohod’s historic gold medal in the women’s individual recurve event was nothing short of sensational.

Kumkum displayed her nerves of steel to pull off a thrilling victory in a shoot-off against South Korea’s Oh Yejin, clinching a perfect 10 to take home the gold medal, making her the first Indian woman to win an Asian Games Gold medal in the individual recurve archery event.

Kukum Mohod also won a gold and a silver medal in the team and mixed team recurve events, respectively, completing a stunning triple-medal haul at Aichi-Nagoya.

Indian shooter Neeru Dhanda grabbed the national headlines when she won the gold medal in the women’s individual trap event. Dhanda ended a 48-year wait for India to clinch a gold medal in the individual trap event in men’s and women’s shotgun competitions.

The last time India won a gold medal in the individual trap event was back in 1978 by Randhir Singh in Bangkok, making Dhanda's record-breaking performance with a score of 28 a monumental milestone for Indian shooting.

Additionally, Neeru Dhanda won a gold and a silver in the mixed team with Kynan Chenai and the women’s team alongside Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer, capping off an unforgettable multi-medal performance that earned her the honour of being India's flag-bearer at the closing ceremony.

Also Read: Asian Games 2026: Thakur hails India's 85 medals, slams politics

Indian athletics contingent clinched 24 medals at the recently concluded Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya. There was a wave of historic milestones on the track, highlighted by standout performances from across disciplines.

Gulveer clinched two silver medals in both the men’s 10,000m and 1500m events and a bronze in the 5000m, making him the first Indian male track and field athlete to win three medals in individual events. Sawan Barwal ended India’s 44-year wait for a medal in the men’s marathon, while Sarvesh Kushare won India’s first medal in the men’s high jump since 1970.

Baranica Elangovan scripted a historic feat at the recent Asian Games 2026, where she became the first-ever woman to win a medal in the pole vault.

Indian shooting, archery, and athletics contingents might have dominated headlines in the opening weeks, but the Indian boxing squad saved their absolute best for the closing stages, delivering a powerhouse performance inside the ring.

The boxing team won six medals, including three gold medals by Lovlina Borgohain, Parveen Hooda, and Ankush Panghal, marking India’s best-ever Asian Games boxing campaign in terms of gold medals. Narender Berwal, Priya Ghanghas, and Kapil Pokhariya contributed to India’s boxing tally by winning a bronze each.

This was India’s second-best performance in boxing at the Asian Games, trailing only the historic nine-medal haul each from the 1982 Seoul and 2010 Guangzhou Games, while firmly establishing India's dominance as a premier powerhouse in Asian amateur boxing.

A gold medal in golf for India was least expected by anyone, but 23-year-old golfer Pranavi Sharath Urs turned the greens at the Kasugai Country Club into a theater of pure grit.

Pranavi defeated China’s Yin Ruoning and Shannon Tan of Singapore in a tense, down-to-the-wire finish on the final day. Finishing at the top of the podium following a stellar four-day total of 15-under 265, Pranavi became the first Indian woman golfer to win a gold medal and the third after Lakshman Singh (2002) and Shiv Kapur (1982 )to win the gold medal at the Asian Games.

Pranavi Urs also won the silver medal in the women’s team event alongside Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar, completing a phenomenal double-medal sweep at her Asian Games debut.

Also Read: Asian Games 2026: Diksha Dagar 'overjoyed' with team golf silver

Indian quartet, Vithya Ramraj, Kiran Pahal, Poovamma Machettira, and Prachi Choudhary, clinched the gold medal in the women’s 4x400 relay at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.

This was India’s gold medal in athletics, and Vithya Ramraj was the hero among the four anchors of the team, stunningly accelerating to go past China’s anchor and overhauling the Chinese quartet on the home straight to cross the finish line in 3:29.69.

For Vithya, this golden triumph served as sweet redemption, capping off a stellar meet where she also shattered PT Usha’s national record in the 400m hurdles to take home the bronze medal while also winning the silver in the mixed 4x400 team event.

Indian women’s hockey team clinched a historic gold medal by defeating the defending Asian Games champions, China, in the final at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara City.

The Women in Blue, led by Salima Tete, secured 1-0 victory over Chinese opponents, thanks to Lalremsiami Hmarzote, who played her milestone 200th international match, scoring a decisive goal in the 10th minute to help India take a 1-0 lead and successfully defend the lead across four quarters.

With this, India ended a 44-year drought of winning a gold medal at the Asian Games, with their first and last gold medal coming back at the 1982 New Delhi Games. Additionally, the Indian women’s team secured a quota for the 2028 LA Olympics, alongside the men’s team, which successfully defended the title.

Beyond India’s traditional powerhouses, the recently concluded Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya saw the country successfully branch into dynamic new disciplines. Jay Meena scripted history by becoming the first softball tennis player to win an Asian Games medal, clinching bronze after losing in the semifinal.

MMA athlete Suchika Tariyal made history by securing India's first-ever medal in the discipline, winning the bronze medal in the 60kg category, marking a watershed moment for the country in combat sports. Pincky Balhara became the first Indian Kurash wrestler to win back-to-back medals in the event, clinching silver and bronze at the 2018 Jakarta and Aichi-Nagoya Games, respectively.

Moreover, Naorem Roshibina Devi became the first Indian wushu athlete to wi three consecutive medals at the Asian Games, winning a second silver on the trot at the Aichi–Nagoya Games.

Also Read: Northern Railway athletes shine at Asian Games 2026 with 11 medals

Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal grabbed the national headlines when he pulled off a stunning comeback to clinch a gold medal in the men’s 65kg final. This was India’s third gold medal in the men’s 65kg event after Yogeshwar Dutt (2014) and Bajrang Punia (2018), cementing his status as the country's next big wrestling powerhouse on the continental stage.

Trailing 2-9 against Tajikistan’s Abdulmazhid Kudiev, Sujeet staged a late-match surge, executing a flurry of breathtaking takedowns in the dying seconds to snatch a sensational 10-9 victory and complete one of the most unforgettable comebacks in the history of Indian wrestling.

Sujeet earlier defeated reigning Olympic champion Kotaro Kiyooka of Japan in the semifinal, pulling off a stunning upset in front of the home crowd to pave his path toward ultimate glory.

Among India’s six wrestling medallists at Aichi-Nagoya, former world championship medallist Deepak Punia carved out a special piece of history by stepping up to the demanding 97kg freestyle division.

Punia settled for a bronze medal after losing to Gankhuyag Ganbaatar of Mongolia in the semifinal. With this, Deepak Punia became the first Indian wrestler to medal in this heavier class in six decades, ending a long-standing drought since Bhim Singh's bronze back in the 1966 Bangkok edition.

This was Deepak Punia’s second medal at the Asian Games, having previously won the silver medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.

Asian Games 2026: Silver Medalist Antim Panghal's Old Video of Breaking Down During Training Goes Viral

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 02:54:59 +0530

Indian wrestler Antim Panghal clinched the silver medal in the women’s 53kg category at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya on Saturday, October 3. Pangal lost to Japan’s Moe Kiyooka in the final at the Inae Sports Center.

Antim Panghal lost by a 1-9 margin to the reigning world champion Moe Kiyooka, settling for a hard-earned silver. In the last edition of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, the 22-year-old won bronze, and this time, she bettered that performance by reaching the final of the women’s 53kg category.

Antim Panghal was one of the seven Indian wrestlers to have won medals at the Asian Games 2026, contributing significantly to India's impressive overall wrestling tally at the multi-sport continental extravaganza in Aichi-Nagoya.

Also Read: Asian Games: Antim Panghal clinches historic silver in 53kg wrestling

Antim Panghal’s Old Training Goes Viral

As Antim Panghal clinched her successive Asian Games medal and this time upgraded it to a hard-fought silver, an old video of the young wrestler ahead of the quadrennial multi-sport event has gone viral on social media, especially Instagram.

In a video posted by JSW Sports, under which Antim Panghal is managed, the wrestler was seen undergoing intense and rigorous training, pushing herself through demanding drills and exercises as she prepared for the Asian Games. At the time, the young wrestler was breaking down, bearing the emotional toll of relentless preparation.

As the wrestlers require immense discipline, sacrifice, and physical endurance, the raw footage shared by her management agency offers a glimpse into what it truly takes to reach the podium. Antim is one of the Indian wrestlers who has consistently proven her mettle on the global mat.

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Antim Panghal, who has established herself as one of India’s prominent wrestlers on the international stage, has endured several challenging phases in her career while continuing to compete at the highest level.

The resurfaced footage shows the determination and emotional struggle behind her preparation, making the moment particularly poignant after her latest Asian Games campaign.

Who is Antim Panghal?

Antim Panghal was already an established Indian wrestler before her silver medal win at the Asian Games. 2026. Hailing from Bhagana village in Hisar district, Haryana, Antim took up wrestling at a young age and went on to make a mark in the sport.

Panghal’s first international breakthrough came when she won the bronze medal at the U17 World Championships in 2021, and in the following year, she won gold medals at the U20 Asian and World Championships, a silver medal at the U23 Asian Championships, and a silver medal at the Asian Games, all four in the women’s 53kg category.

Silver for Antim Panghal! The Indian wrestling squad keeps adding to the medal haul, with Antim Panghal clinching the silver medal in women's freestyle 53 kg at the #AsianGames2026. VC: Sony LIV#TeamIndia #Cheer4Bharat pic.twitter.com/tYwHWhPl39

— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) October 3, 2026

In 2023, Antim Panghal won her maiden World Championships medal, winning bronze in the same weight category and a silver medal at the Asian Championships, further cementing her status as one of India's brightest and most resilient stars on the international wrestling mat. In 2025, she won bronze at the World and Asian Championships.

Apart from World and Asian titles, Antim Panghal has won four golds, a silver, and a silver at the Gold Prix, one of the prestigious wrestling competitions worldwide, continuing to add prestigious accolades to her remarkable wrestling repertoire.

Also Read: Our hard work paid off, says Bichu Devi on Asian Games hockey gold

Who is Gulveer Singh? India's Long-Distance Runner Completes Hat-Trick of Medals at Asian Games 2026

Hrishikesh Damodar — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 19:13:40 +0530

Indian long-distance runner Gulveer Singh completed his hat-trick of medals at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya on Tuesday, September 29. Gulveer clinched a bronze medal in the men’s 5000m event at Paloma Mizuho Stadium.

Birhanu Balew of Bahrain and Japan’s Tomonori Yamaguchi took home gold and silver medals, respectively, rounding off a fiercely contested podium where the Indian star delivered another gritty performance to secure his historic third medal of the ongoing Aichi-Nagoya Games. Earlier, Gulveer won silver in the 10,000 and 1500 metres events to complete a remarkable treble on the track.

Gulveer Singh is the only Indian track and field athlete to win three individual medals at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 and the second after legendary PT Usha to achieve this incredible feat in track and field events at a single edition of the quadrennial multi-sport event.

Also Read: Sree Charani sets new record with highest-ever T20I bowling rating

Who is Gulveer Singh?

The Asian Games 2026 is yet another major international breakthrough event for Gulveer Singh, who cemented his status as one of India's premier endurance athletes. Hailing from Sirsa village in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh district, he grew up in a farming family before joining the Indian Army.

Like many youngsters in his village, his ultimate dream was to secure a life and a job by joining the Indian Army. Gulveer built his physical endurance while preparing for gruelling physical recruitment exams to join the Indian Army. In 2018, the 28-year-old enlisted as a Sipahi (Soldier) in the 23 Grenadiers Unit of the Army.

In 2019, Gulveer began taking up track and field events to earn a promotion to Havildar, but it ultimately marked the beginning of his remarkable journey in long-distance running. His first national breakthrough came when he won the bronze medal in the men’s 10,000m at the 2022 Federation Cup, marking his first major senior medal and launching him onto the international distance-running map.

GULVEER SINGH COMPLETES HATTRICK OF MEDALS AT THE ASIAN GAMES 2026! Men’s 10,000m Men’s 1500m Men’s 5000mWHAT AN INCREDIBLE ATHLETE! pic.twitter.com/btQJHzInNi

— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) September 29, 2026

Gulveer won his first international medal at the 2022 Asian Games, winning bronze in the men’s 10,000 metres. The UP runner also won a bronze in 2023 and two gold medals in 2025 at the Asian Athletics Championships, highlighting his incredible consistency and dominance across continental championships.

In 2026, Gulveer Singh won a silver and a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games before his three-medal haul at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, capping off an extraordinary season of continental and international success.

Gulveer Singh's Three-Medal Asian Games Feat

The long-distance runner Gulveer Singh’s historic three-medal haul at the Asian Games 2026 has sparked reactions on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans praising his remarkable consistency and endurance across three gruelling events.

Taking to their X handles, many fans celebrated Gulveer’s remarkable medal haul, with several praising his consistency across all three events. One fan called him the ‘medal man of India ', while another hailed him as the ‘real deal.’ Others described his three podium finishes as an extraordinary achievement.

Some praised his stamina and described him as an underrated athlete. Another fan called his three podium finishes ‘pure legendary beast mode’, reflecting the widespread appreciation for Gulveer’s remarkable run at the Asian Games.

He is not Gulveer he is Medelveer

— Adri Adhikari (@Madridfootballe) September 29, 2026

He is the real deal!

— Amit Saha (@saha92632) September 29, 2026

THREE EVENTS, THREE PODIUMS—PURE LEGENDARY BEAST MODE! ⚡ pic.twitter.com/EhjWdbruWL

— Puneet Mishra (@Pmish0703) September 29, 2026

He's extraordinary a jewel Indian Sports has found, god protect him

— Tim-Tim‍♀️ (@Cynic_Pepper) September 29, 2026

The medal man of india

— CHOTA BHEEM (@chootabheem07) September 29, 2026

Gulveer bronze two silver100% medal rate very incredible marvellous outstandingn performances very underrated many of the people don't know Remember the name

— daily updates (@Wildfire4lg) September 29, 2026

Amazing running these gruelling middle distances and winning two silvers and a bronze. Brilliant ❤️

— SunilM (@SunilMaheshwar) September 29, 2026

Best athlete from our nation at this moment. https://t.co/2S1uir8Qu1

— Dev (@deven_zip) September 29, 2026

"NAIB SUBEDAR GULVEER SINGH" army doing everything for this country https://t.co/C7h9siETZN

— FASAK (@likith1112) September 29, 2026

Our superstar Gulveer Singh 5000m https://t.co/sXYmWAEsz9

— Pallavi(Ruby)Baruah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@25rubybaruah) September 29, 2026

Magical feets. Hatrick in a single big A level international sports event. Too huge achievement. Stamina bro. https://t.co/Ba0SGWo0vU

— Vasuudha Gupta (@VasuudhaGupta) September 29, 2026

Meanwhile, India's athletics contingent won 24 medals, including a gold, 9 silver, and 14 bronze, taking the country’s total medal tally to 53 medals at the continental event in Aichi-Nagoya.

Also Read: Asian Games: Gold was within reach, says silver medallist Ashima

Asian Games 2026: Chinese Paddler Sun Yingsha Politely Declines Qatari Opponent's Cake After Match (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 20:51:27 +0530

Chinese table tennis star Sun Yingsha politely declines a cake from Qatari opponent Maryam Ali following their women’s singles round of 32 match at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on September 35.

Sun Yingsha qualified for the round of 16 after defeating Maryam Ali 4-0, before securing victories over Orawan Paranang of Thailand in the pre-quarters and Joo Cheon-hui of South Korea in the quarterfinal to book her spot in the semifinal, where she will face Japan’s Hina Hayata, keeping her quest to defend her gold, which she won at the 2023 edition of the event in Hangzhou.

Sun has already won a gold medal in the team event, alongside her teammates, Chen YiFan Shuhan, Kuai Man, and Wang Manyu, defeating hosts Japan in the final to claim top honours.

Also Read: Asian Games: Jaideep dedicates Kabaddi gold to brother after Iran win

Chinese Paddler’s Polite Refusal to Accept Cake from Qatari Opponent Goes Viral

As Chinese table tennis star Sun Yingsha has inched closer to defending her gold medal in the women’s singles, an unexpected off-table moment from her early-round clash has taken social media by storm.

Following her 4-0 victory over Maryam Ali in their round of 32 clash, the Chinese paddler was approached for a photograph by her Qatari opponent. As it was Ali's birthday, a lighthearted moment unfolded on the sidelines when a celebratory cake was brought out for a quick snapshot.

Though Sun Yingsha graciously agreed to a photograph, she politely declined to eat or accept the cake, a moment that quickly went viral on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter). Despite Maryam Ali’s warm gesture to share her birthday treat, the Chinese star appeared to have drawn a clear boundary between court-side pleasantries and her personal space.

خلال دورة الألعاب الآسيوية المقامة حاليًا، تقابلت سون ينغشا لاعبة كرة الطاولة الصينية الشهيرة، مع اللاعبة القطرية ماريا علي،،فماذا حدث!؟كان يوم عيد ميلاد ماريا علي فأحضرت كعكة، وطلبت من سون التصوير معها، وافقت سون على الصورة ولكنها رفضت الكعكة،،مشهد يبين صعوبة فرض معتقداتنا… pic.twitter.com/25vxAB32no

— م. محمد العثمان الراشد (@malrashed2020) September 26, 2026

Since the Chinese athletes are often known for maintaining strict routines and high levels of personal discipline during major international assignments, Sun Yingsha’s gesture after her Qatari opponent offered her a cake could have also simply stemmed from wanting to keep things strictly professional rather than having amicable interactions with rival athletes.

The Chinese paddler was polite enough to decline the cake from Maryam Ali rather than letting the gesture lead to an awkward confrontation, showcasing a calm and composed demeanor under the global spotlight.

How Did China Perform at the Asian Games?

China has been the most dominant contingent at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. While other Asian countries like Japan, South Korea, India, Uzbekistan, and North Korea have put up strong individual displays across various disciplines, the Chinese delegation has continued to command the top spot in the overall medal standings by a wide margin.

China has so far clinched 176 medals, including 107 gold, 41 silver, and 28 bronze medals, and is leading the medal tally, with Japan (129), South Korea (73), and Uzbekistan (34) rounding out the upper tiers of the standings.

Swimming and Wushu have been standout contributors to China's commanding campaign, combined to win 42 gold medals as the nation continues to pull away from regional rivals like Japan and South Korea. In table tennis, China won two gold medals and as many silver medals, and Sun Yingsha will look to win another gold in their medal tally.

In the 2023 Asian Games, China won a whopping 383 medals, including 201 gold, 111 silver, and 71 bronze medals, setting a monumental benchmark for continental dominance that the current delegation is once again looking to match.

Also Read: Asian Games 2026: Prachi clinches bronze in women's 400m final

Who is Sujeet Kalkal? Indian Wrestler Bounces Back from 2-9 to Win Maiden Asian Games Gold

Hrishikesh Damodar — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 18:28:42 +0530

Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalal made a stunning comeback to clinch his maiden Asian Games gold medal in the men’s 65kg category final in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Friday, October 2. Kalal clinched India’s first gold medal in wrestling and the third overall after Nitesh Siwach and Sunil Kumar won silver and bronze in the men’s 97 kg and 87kg Greco-Roman wrestling, respectively.

Sujeet Kalal defeated Tajikistan's Abdulmazhid Kudiev in a thrilling 10-9 victory at the Nagoya City Inae Sports Center. However, the Indian wrestler was trailing 2–9, and hopes of winning the Gold medal looked nearly out of reach. However, the 23-year-old displayed his grit and resilience and orchestrated a sensational late onslaught.

In the final seconds, Sujeet scored eight consecutive points through a flurry of vital takedowns to snatch a breathtaking 10-9 victory and secure a memorable gold medal while leaving fans and opponents alike in absolute awe of his clutch performance.

Also Read: Asian Games: Sujeet Kalkal wins gold; Dipanshi misses out on bronze

Who is Sujeet Kalkal?

Sujeet Kalkal’s stunning comeback from 2-9 to 10-9 to clinch his maiden Asian Games gold medal, making him the third wrestler after Yogeshwar Dutt (2014) and Bajrang Punia (2018) to win a gold medal in the men’s 65kg category, has put him in the national spotlight.

Hailing from Imlota, Haryana, Sujeet picked up his wrestling journey at a local village akhada, trained by his father, Dayanand Kalkal, who is a former national-level wrestler. Sujeet continued training in his village until 2020 before moving to Sonipat in 2021, where he trained alongside more experienced wrestlers.

2022 was a year to remember for Sujeet Kalkal as he won a gold medal at the Asian U20 Championships and Grand Prix, alongside a bronze medal at the World U20 Championships. In 2025, Sujeet won gold medals at the World and Asian U23 Championships and Grand Prix, further establishing his dominance on the international stage.

WATCH HOW SUJEET KALKAL TURNED A 9-2 DEFICIT INTO ASIAN GAMES GOLD. DON’T BLINK. THIS COMEBACK HAPPENED IN REAL TIME. ‍♂️THE SCORE SAID 9-2.THE CLOCK SAID “TOO LATE.”SUJEET KALKAL SAID “WATCH ME.” ‍♂️9-2 → 10-9. GOLD. Eight points.Two minutes.One unbelievable… pic.twitter.com/ozTw9w5PBN

— Anil Bansal (@dilseanilbansal) October 2, 2026

WHAT A COMEBACK! WHAT A FIGHT! SUJEET KALKAL IS AN ASIAN GAMES CHAMPION!After trailing 2-9 in the first half, Sujeet produced an incredible comeback to win 10-9 in the final seconds! GOLD FOR INDIA IN MEN’S 65KG WRESTLING!JUST WOOOOOOAHHH! pic.twitter.com/63xMzHBXGL

— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) October 2, 2026

Sujeet Kalkal further earned international recognition when he won the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Wrestling Championships, defeating Umidjon Jalolov of Uzbekistan in the final. Now, the 23-year-old has added an Asian Games gold medal to his resume, cementing his legacy as one of the country's most formidable wrestlers and an undisputed powerhouse in the 65kg division.

Stepping in the footsteps of Yogeshwar Dutt and Bajrang Punia, Sujeet Kalkal has signaled a thrilling new era for Indian freestyle wrestling, proving that the nation's rich legacy in the weight class is in fiercely capable hands.

Sujeet Kalkal’s Stunning Comeback Leaves Fans in Awe

Sujeet Kalkal’s stunning comeback from 2-9 down to 10-9 has left social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and sports enthusiasts praising his never-say-die attitude and sensational late fightback.

Taking to their X handles, many fans hailed Sujeet’s extraordinary comeback, with several highlighting his fighting spirit and ability to turn the contest around in the final seconds. Others described the victory as ‘legendary’ and ‘phenomenal’, while praising the 23-year-old for refusing to give up despite trailing 2-9.

Some fans were particularly impressed by Sujeet’s mentality, with one noting that ‘many players would give up after going 2–9 down,’ but the Indian wrestler only became more determined to fight back, while a few others described his performance as a ‘legendary fight and comeback’ and said the thrilling final deserved to be watched on loop.

Many players would give up after going 2–9 down, but he only got more determined to fight back and win. That mentality is something special. Surely a future star!

— Arnav (@Arnavvsachdeva) October 2, 2026

Absolute Chad!!!

— Market Yogi (@YogiU235) October 2, 2026

What a comeback that was phenomenal performance by sujeet after trailing from 2-9 to come back to 10-9 in last 10 sec of match it's was one of the best match in Asian games

— CHOTA BHEEM (@chootabheem07) October 2, 2026

HEART OF A LION, WILL OF STEEL! Never count him out! Sujeet fought through the deficit, hunted down every point, and snatched GOLD right at the death! ⌛ pic.twitter.com/WbYHs2slG4

— Puneet Mishra (@Pmish0703) October 2, 2026

Comeback Will remember for ages

— Nayan (@Nayan1827) October 2, 2026

Superb. Simple unbelievable. Congratulations Sujeet kalkal

— n.r.s (@nagenderSR) October 2, 2026

Can watch this finals on loop! https://t.co/5ZMHBevI8d

— Chief (@TOP1_MAVERICK) October 2, 2026

Woah woah Reversed the result on the mat in the last few seconds Inspiring stories ✨ https://t.co/t8oBonq4XZ

— Anitha VSD✨ (@sundewflowers) October 2, 2026

Have to save this match replay https://t.co/2GbtMpMfSl

— കൊല്ലംകാരൻ (@kollamboyi) October 2, 2026

Sensational Gold https://t.co/I8qOTNscOl

— BILLA SHOT (@nottrollG) October 2, 2026

This was legendary fight and comback. https://t.co/rhQcSWPjeF

— Maharaja Of Tariffs - Langley Bahadur N.Misra Stan (@Mohmayaaism_1) October 2, 2026

Meanwhile, India won 76 medals, including 16 gold, 25 silver, and 35 bronze, and is currently at the fifth spot on the medal table, where China (316), host Japan (239), and South Korea (134) lead the upper echelon of the standings.

Also Read: Lalremsiami completes 200 caps for Indian womens hockey team

Asian Games 2026: Vithya Ramraj's Stunning Final-Leg Acceleration in Women's 4x400m Gold Goes Viral

Hrishikesh Damodar — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 03:19:20 +0530

The Indian women’s 4x400m relay team, consisting of Vithya Ramraj, Kiran Pahal, Poovamma Machettira, and Prachi Choudhary, clinched the gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya on Tuesday, September 29.

India women’s 4x400m relay team grabbed the top of the podium with a time of 3:29.69, adding a fifth gold medal to India’s tally at the day of 10. Bahrain’s Aisha Abdullah, Sufian Abdulghani, Zainab Fyofuoba, and Salwa Eid Naser finished second to take home the silver medal with a time of 3:30.21.

China’s team of Jiang Yutong, Kong Yingying, Zhou Li, and Zuo Siyu settled for a bronze medal after finishing with a time of 3:31.02, surrendering their lead in the dying seconds of the race as India's anchor runner surged past them.

Also Read: Asian Games 2026: India eyes medals, Olympic quotas on Wednesday

Vithya Ramraj’s Final-Leg Acceleration Goes Viral

As the Indian women’s 4x400m relay team clinched the first gold medal in athletics for the country, what grabbed the attention of spectators and sports enthusiasts was Vithya Ramraj’s stunning acceleration during the final leg of the race,

Until the penultimate leg of the race, it appeared India would likely finish at the lower steps of the podium, but a breathtaking burst of speed completely flipped the script. After Prachi Choudhary passed on the baton to Vithya, the star hurdler unleashed a ferocious pace down the home straight, storming past the Chinese anchor easily.

Vithya Ramraj increased her pace brilliantly to overtake the Chinese anchor and stayed ahead of Bahrain's closing runner in a nail-biting finish to cross the line first and secure a memorable gold medal for India.

Watch this acceleration by Vithya Ramraj to overtake the Chinese athlete in the final leg! - Helped India win its first Athletics Gold Medal at Asian Games 2026! pic.twitter.com/3z90tU0hja

— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) September 29, 2026

Vithya Ramraj earlier clinched silver in the 4x400m relay mixed event and a bronze medal in the 400m hurdles, wherein she shattered legendary sprinter PT Usha’s 42-year national record of 55.42 seconds with a blistering run of 54.75 seconds.

The ongoing Asian Games 2026 was her second appearance at the quadrennial multi-sport Asian event, as he previously featured in the 2023 Hangzhou Games, where she clinched two silver and a bronze, adding to her growing list of continental accolades.

Vithya Ramraj's Stunning Final Leg Sparks Massive Reaction Online

Vithya Ramraj’s stunning final-leg acceleration that helped India women’s 4x400m team clinch the gold medal has sparked reactions on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and sports enthusiasts hailing her breathtaking finish.

Taking to their X handles, many hailed Vithya’s breathtaking final-leg acceleration, with one user describing her as ‘literally flying’ during the closing stages. Another praised her ‘lung-busting run’ and called it a ‘proper goosebumps’ moment. Others highlighted the Tamil Nadu sprinter’s incredible acceleration and composure under pressure, with one fan praising her focus after overtaking the Chinese runner.

Some fans were left stunned by Vithya’s finishing burst, with one describing her acceleration as ‘incredible’ and another calling the final leg ‘absolutely stunning’, while a few others simply reacted with ‘goosebumps' after watching the dramatic finish.

Thats unbelievably amazing. So good to see we are finally doing well in track and field now. We nees much more focused attention to sport. It needs to be a legitimate career option for kids than just hobby, there needs to be lot more corporate and gov investment to make it viable

— Krishna Singh (@KrishnaK_Singh) September 29, 2026

Superb run in final leg by Vithya. She was literally flying. Congratulations to the team for getting coveted and first ever athletics gold medal

— Ajay Pant (@Pantjyu1975) September 29, 2026

OMG goosebumps all over the body Wow

— Paresh Bhanderi (@PareshBhanderi2) September 29, 2026

She gave her Heart Soul Mind Body everything what she had and the result is evident..

— alliswell (@alliswell49051) September 29, 2026

Amazing! Simply amazing final leg! Jai Ho! https://t.co/J5VpVPA0zs

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) September 29, 2026

What a brilliant last leg. Absolutely stunning. https://t.co/FtxeFZHUZV

— Maj Gen (Dr) YashMor (@YashMor5) September 29, 2026

Man this lung busting run from Vithya Ramaraj - proper goosebumps… intense adrenaline rush! Too good #AsianGames2026 https://t.co/jwk9pOITmj

— Vinod Shankar (@7465outof100) September 29, 2026

What incredible acceleration https://t.co/2QbIeKMuCm

— pradip (@sahaprd) September 29, 2026

Just wow !!! Superb run by Vithya Ramraj https://t.co/pnQV9V0KoG

— MookhoMusings (@mookho_musings) September 29, 2026

What acceleration! Outstanding! https://t.co/WJMMKSfyex

— Ameet Datta (@DattaAmeet) September 29, 2026

Goosebumps BTW...I was...a school level sprinter.Relay race, 200-meter dash n 100-meter dash...was my forte.I love...races...of all forms. https://t.co/HNNgs9sjXH

— Ahamasmi योधः (@right9Oangle) September 29, 2026

Omg Vithya's focus after overtaking Winning gold in athletics is always the best at sporting events. Goosebumps. https://t.co/vn63KYPoub

— Z (@Meadowandhats) September 29, 2026

She was flying https://t.co/Q84yJIhTSf pic.twitter.com/wfjO8jY7WX

— Wayfarer (@mottebonda) September 29, 2026

Outstanding just outstanding https://t.co/golb1MkIcc

— !! जय भीम!!!!नमो: बुद्धाय!! (@Bhim__Army) September 29, 2026

At the end of Day 10, India moved to the 10th spot on the medal tally with 53 medals, including 6 gold, 21 silver, and 26 bronze. India will look to add more medals as wrestling and boxing events take center stage in the closing days of the multi-sport extravaganza.

Also Read: Asian Games 2026: India eyes medals, Olympic quotas on Wednesday

Asian Games 2026: Silver Medalist Ancy Sojan Wishes to Get a Call from Tamil Nadu CM Vijay (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:43:39 +0530

Indian long jumper Ancy Sojan is one of the medallists for the country in track and field at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya. Ancy clinched the silver in the women’s long jump event with her best leap of 6.53 m in the final, surpassing several strong competitors to claim a well-deserved medal for India.

China’s Huang Yingying took home the gold medal with her best leap of 6.55m, while her compatriot Tan Mengyi settled for bronze with a 6.46 m jump, narrowly edging out India's Shaili Singh, who finished fourth. Ancy Sojan contributed to India’s four medals in athletics on Day 8 of the event.

This was her second medal at the Asian Games 2026, as she won the silver medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where she had similarly secured a second-place finish with an impressive performance.

Also Read: Indian archery coach eyes record medal tally after two Asian Games Golds

Ancy Sojan Wishes to Get a Call from Vijay

As Ancy Sojan won her second consecutive silver medal at the 2026 Asian Games, the Indian long jumper expressed her wish to receive a call from the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, C. Joseph Vijay.

The 25-year-old, who hails from Nattika in Thrissur district of Kerala, is an ardent fan of an actor-turned-politician whose party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), won the Tamil Nadu elections and swept the state polls to form the government, with Vijay taking the oath as the state's Chief Minister.

In a video posted by Sony Sports Network, Ancy Sojan expressed her wish to get a call from the Tamil Nadu chief minister, adding that his motivation gives her tremendous motivation and energy.

“I wish I can get a call from him (Vijay). I like his motivation. I will be very happy if I can get a call from him,” Ancy said.

Ancy's message to Thalapathy Vijay! After a brilliant silver at Aichi-Nagoya 2026, Ancy couldn't hide her excitement when asked about her idol, Thalapathy Vijay!Watch the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork… pic.twitter.com/WAoLjC1YXe

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 29, 2026

Since Ancy Sojan is a native of Kerala, Vijay is one of the most popular Tamil actors who have grown into massive household names across neighboring states like Kerala, where youth and athletes frequently draw massive inspiration from his distinctive journey, public persona, and message of drive.

Even after becoming the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Vijay continues to focus heavily on public engagement, youth welfare, and supporting sports initiatives across the state, adding an extra layer of inspiration for athletes looking up to his remarkable transition from cinema to public service.

Fans Flood Social Media With Requests For Vijay To Meet Champion

Ancy Sojan’s desire to get a call from Tamil Nadu CM Vijay has sparked reactions on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and netizens amplifying her wish.

Taking to their X handles, many fans urged Vijay and the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Office to consider Ancy Sojan’s wish and fulfil her request to receive a call from the actor-turned-politician.

Others tagged Vijay, TVK, and the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Office in their posts, urging them to respond to the Asian Games silver medallist’s heartfelt request.

Thalapathy Vijay Fans I know he really calls her

— कड़वा Comment (@Kadwa_Comment) September 30, 2026

Hope Team of @TVKVijayHQ fulfills the wish of this champion soon https://t.co/RUsNS2JivX

— Rakesh Nair (@rakeshnair90) September 30, 2026

meet and wish her @CMOTamilnadu @TVKVijayHQ https://t.co/6ClyNK2NjP

— Akbar (@VJakbar_) September 30, 2026

Pla consider this @CMOTamilnadu https://t.co/G0rNqTMmhQ

— Chandra Subramanian' (@ChandrasubramaN) September 30, 2026

Vijay should consider @CMOTamilnadu @AadhavArjuna https://t.co/nyeBSNFVNN

— விக்னேஷ் (@Vigneshified) September 30, 2026

Make it happen anna ❤️@AadhavArjuna @TVKVijayHQ @CMOTamilnadu https://t.co/prDglufHIt

— Kishore TVK (@Kishore___msd) September 30, 2026

Vijay is ever popular

— NextBigThing (@NextBigThing_90) September 30, 2026

Meanwhile, India won 24 medals in athletics, including a gold, 9 silvers, and 14 bronzes, showcasing remarkable depth across field and track events on the continental stage. The Indian women’s 4x400m relay team, consisting of Vithya Ramraj, Kiran Pahal, Poovamma Machettira, and Prachi Choudhary, was the gold medal winner in athletics for India.

Also Read: Asian Games 2026: Boxer Priya Ghanghas settles for bronze medal

'Two Hearts, One Rhythm': Asian Games Medallist Vithya Ramraj Shares Dance With Twin Sister (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 03:21:30 +0530

The Asian Games 2026 triple medallist and sprinter Vithya Ramraj has shared an adorable dance video with her twin sister, Nithya Ramraj, capturing their close bond and joyful moments together.

Vithya Ramraj clinched three medals at the 2026 Asian Games: gold in the women's 4x400m relay, silver in the mixed 4x400m relay, and bronze in the women's 400m hurdles, where she broke legendary sprinter PT Usha's national record. Her gold medal in the women's 4x400m relay was particularly impressive, as she anchored the team in the final leg to secure a memorable victory for India.

These three medals added to the other three she had won at the 2023 edition of the event in Hangzhou, China, where she played a crucial role in India's relay teams, taking her total to six Asian Games medals across the 2023 and 2026 editions.

Also Read: Asian Games 2026: Indian Army delivers finest show with 20 medals

‘Two Hearts, OneRhythmm’

As Vithya Ramraj once again captured the nation's heart with her sensational track exploits, off the field, the star sprinter brought smiles to her followers' faces by sharing a lighthearted, joyous dance reel alongside her twin sister, Nithya Ramraj.

In a video posted on her Instagram handle, Vithya and her twin sister Nithya, with a medal each in their hands, danced in complete sync, apparently as their way of celebrating her phenomenal success on the continental stage. Along with a video, Vithya wrote:

“Two hearts, one rhythm, endless memories! No celebration is complete without a crazy dance with my twin!"

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nithya ramraj (@nithya_ramraj)

Vithya’s twin sister, Nithya, is also a professional athlete, having competed in the women's 100m hurdles and represented India at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Nithya, who works with the Income Tax Department, is also a national-level hurdler, with a personal best of 13.04 seconds in the women's 100m hurdles.

Vithya and Nithya have long stood as pillars of strength for one another, having grown up sharing everything from training gear to an unrelenting passion for sports.

Who is Vithya Ramraj?

Vithya Ramraj hails from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, where she grew up as the daughter of a truck driver, overcoming considerable financial hurdles alongside her identical twin sister, Nithya, to carve out a historic path in Indian athletics.

The twin sisters began playing hockey before switching to athletics when they joined another school for class 7 in Erode. After she joined Kongu Arts and Science College in Erode, where she pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration (2016 to 2019), Vithya represented national-level athletics competitions.

Vithya earned vital recognition under the mentorship of Dr. A. Sankar, Director of Physical Education, before taking her fierce competitive drive to the national stage. He participated in All India Inter-University competitions and won gold medals at national and university-level competitions.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by VITHYA RAMRAJ | OLY. (@vithya_ramraj)

Initially, Vithya Ramraj focused on 100m and 200m sprints before she switched to the 400m run and 400m hurdles in 2017. The switch eventually paid off as she earned her first national recognition by winning two silver medals and a bronze medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where she equaled PT Usha's legendary 400m hurdles national record.

In 2025, Vithya won the bronze medal in the women’s 400, hurdles at the Asian Athletics Championships. In 2026, the 28-year-old won three medals at the Asian Games, including gold in the women's 4x400m relay, silver in the mixed 4x400m relay, and bronze in the women's 400m hurdles, continuing her impressive run.

Since 2021, Vithya and her twin sister, Nithya, have been training under the guidance of Nehpal Singh Rathore at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.

Also Read: Asian Games: Nethra Kumanan breaks podium jinx with sailing bronze

Asian Games 2026: Who are David Beckham and Ronaldo Representing India in Aichi-Nagoya?

Hrishikesh Damodar — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 16:24:53 +0530

As India continues to make its presence felt across various disciplines at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, two familiar yet unexpected names have regularly caught sports fans off guard on the official start lists.

India sent a 503-member contingent to compete across 36 sports, showcasing the nation's immense sporting depth on the continental stage. The majority of them are prominent names, including Manu Bhaker, Lovlina Borgohain, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Nikhat Zareen, the Indian women’s and men’s cricket teams, Mirabai Chanu, Aman Sehrawat, and Jyothi Yarraji.

However, the Indian contingent has two unexpected names capturing plenty of headlines: David Beckham and Ronaldo. These two names are very prominent in the sporting world, but not for the reasons most sports fans expect.

Also Read: Asian Games: Ankush Panghal leads India's boxing gold rush Friday

Who are David Beckham and Ronaldo?

David Beckham and Ronaldo are not football players, but rather two of India's most prominent track cyclists competing in high-speed velodrome events. Their full names are David Beckham Elkatohchoongo and Ronaldo Singh Laitonjam.

Since both Indian track cyclists start with football heritage, their presence on the velodrome start lists never fails to provide a delightful twist for sports enthusiasts. David Beckham Elkatohchoongo hails from Car Nicobar in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and he was named after a legendary footballer by his uncle following Beckham’s famous goal against Argentina at the 2002 World Cup.

The 23-year-old represented India at the 2022 and 2026 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and Glasgow, and finished sixth in the men's keirin final at the Asian Games 2026, overall finishing 12th. Back in 2020, in an interview with the Times of India (TOI), the Andaman and Nicobar cyclist wanted to become ‘Cyclist David Beckham’ just like the football icon.

DAVID BECKHAM MAKES THE SEMIFINALS OF ASIAN GAMES 2026! India’s David Beckham Elkatohchoongo finished at 3rd place in the Men’s Keirin repechage to Qualify for Semi Finals! Ronaldo finished 6th & couldn’t qualify! pic.twitter.com/H1fgU02t7j

— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) October 2, 2026

Ronaldo Singh Laitonjam, on the other hand, is a trailblazing force in Indian track cycling. Hailing from Imphal, Manipur, he was named after the legendary Brazilian icon Ronaldinho by a football-loving family.

The 24-year-old was shot to fame when he became the first Indian track cyclist to win a medal at the Asian Track Championships, winning a silver medal in 2022, and has since established himself as one of the country’s leading track cyclists. At the Asian Games 2026, Ronaldo finished sixth in the repechage round and failed to qualify for further rounds.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ronaldo Laitonjam Singh (@ronaldo_laitofficial)

As David Beckham and Ronaldo are two names synonymous with global football, David Beckham Elkatohchoongo and Ronaldo Singh Laitonjam carved out an entirely different kind of sporting spotlight at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026.

‘Where Is Messi?’: Fans React To India's Cycling Duo Beckham And Ronaldo

David Beckham Elkatohchoongo and Ronaldo Singh Laitonjam have grabbed the attention of sports enthusiasts and football fans due to their famous names, with several social media users jokingly wondering where Lionel Messi and other football stars were.

Taking to their X handles, many were left amused by the presence of the two cyclists, with some jokingly asking about Lionel Messi, while others praised the Indian duo for making their own mark in cycling. Some fans also joined in with jokes about the football stars, highlighting the amusing coincidence surrounding the names of the two Indian cyclists.

A few fans even brought other football stars into the conversation, with one asking, ‘What about Messi and Haaland?’, while another joked, ‘I didn’t know we have David Beckham and Ronaldo with us.’

Beckham and Ronaldo are here, but where is Messi?

— GodxRedhood (@GodxRedhood) October 2, 2026

Is messi also part of the team ?

— Tarak Nagaraj (@Tarak39563613) October 2, 2026

The real David Beckham would be proud

— Rishwan Makhan (@MakhanRishwan) October 2, 2026

Dafuq? Beckham? Ronaldo? What's happening in India naming conventions? Jus kiddin. Happy for them!

— TRILOK CHRONICLES (@trilokchronicle) October 2, 2026

Where are Messi and Neymar. For a second I thought it was football and then I read the tweet again.

— ghostrider (@GhostriderYahoo) October 2, 2026

I didn't know we have David beckham and Ronaldo with us.

— ashwani (@AzAshwani) October 2, 2026

What about Messi and Halland ?

— RajivMaheshwari_Not related to BasantMaheshwari (@maheshwari1973) October 2, 2026

Absolute Cinema. https://t.co/1Fz2HNwlBK

— Yash (@yash_v_s) October 2, 2026

Indian cycling team bringing MUFC legends to make history and Glory https://t.co/eIakQZzl3B

— Arun Mathivanan (@Arun_MUFC) October 2, 2026

Time traveller moves a chair.... Beckham & Ronaldo for India representing Cycling. https://t.co/eV556tiY7k

— themonk (@monk_tweetoffl) October 2, 2026

Meanwhile, India moved to the fifth spot on the medal table with 75 medals, including 15 gold, 25 silver, and 35 bronze, as the Indian contingent continued its impressive campaign across multiple disciplines at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026.

Also Read: Asian Games: Parveen Hooda bags India's second boxing gold of the day

Asian Games 2026: Murali Sreeshankar's Mother's Emotional Reaction to Silver Medal Win Goes Viral (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 22:43:10 +0530

The Indian long jump athlete Murali Sreeshankar has contributed to the country’s athletics medal tally with a silver medal in the men’s final at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya on Monday, September 28.

Murali Sreeshankar, who won the silver medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Games, produced his best leap of 8.07m to take home his second consecutive silver medal at the quadrennial multi-sport event. China’s Shi Yuhao clinched the gold medal with his best jump of 8.17m, improving on his bronze medal at the 2023 Asian Games.

Sreeshankar had finished second in the qualification round with a best leap of 7.84m, finishing second in Group B to comfortably secure his place in the medal round, where he clinched the silver medal for the second time on the trot at the Asian Games.

Also Read: Asian Games 2026: Mandaviya hails Javelin duo for double podium

Murali’s Mother's Emotional Reaction Goes Viral

As Murali Sreeshankar was giving his best at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, somewhere in Kerala’s Palakkad, his mother, K.S. Bijimol, was watching anxiously as her son clinched a gritty silver medal amidst an injury scare.

Since Sreeshankar’s father, S. Murali, accompanied him to the Asian Games, his mother stayed back home in Palakkad, nervously glued to the television screen and praying for every single leap her son took on the grand stage. She watched alongside Palakkad MP V. K. Sreekandan and her neighbours at Sreeshankar’s home.

In an exclusive video by Asianet News Malayalam, KS Bijimol, who is a former athlete, was seen breaking down in tears after her son officially sealed his silver medal win with his stellar 8.07-meter leap. Visibly, Sreeshankar’s mother was overwhelmed with emotion as she watched her son’s achievement, with tears of joy rolling down her cheeks after he secured the silver medal.

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Earlier, KS Bijimol was left anxious and worried after Murali Sreeshankar hit his face on the mud after completing his jump due to an awkward landing during his fourth attempt, which left him in visible pain and forced him to withdraw from his final two attempts.

Despite withdrawing from the final two attempts, Murali has already secured enough of a cushion with his 8.07-meter leap to hold onto the silver medal, as none of the trailing competitors could surpass his mark in the closing rounds of the competition.

Sreeshankar’s Mother Relieved After Injury Scare

Speaking to reporters after Murali Sreeshankar’s silver medal win, his mother, KS Bijimol, admitted that she was scared when she saw him struggle with the injury, especially because it was the same leg that had undergone surgery.

However, her fear soon turned into relief as Sreeshankar managed to hold onto second place and secure the silver medal despite being unable to complete his remaining attempts.

“They said his leg got strained. It is the same leg that underwent surgery," Bijimol said.

“We are happy. We were so upset when his leg got injured. Sreeshankar couldn't complete all attempts, but he gave us the silver medal. Even though he could only do three or four jumps, didn't we get the silver? We are happy," she added.

Second #AsianGames medal for Sreeshankar! India’s Murali Sreeshankar finished his #AichiNagoya2026 campaign with a silver in the men’s long jump after a best effort of 8.07m. pic.twitter.com/0yhy9I7Rw2

— Olympic Khel ™ (@OlympicKhel) September 28, 2026

Apart from two silver medals at the Asian Games, Murali Sreeshankar won a silver at the 2023 Asian Championships and is a two-time silver medalist at the Commonwealth Games. Sreeshankar featured in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but could not participate in the 2024 Paris Games due to a knee injury.

Also Read: PT Usha hails Vithya Ramraj for breaking her 400m hurdles record

Asian Games 2026: Uzbekistan Wrestler's Coach Body-Slams Him In Wild Gold Medal Celebration (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 21:51:45 +0530

Uzbekistan wrestler Aytjan Khalmakhanov’s coach stole the spotlight following his disciple’s gold medal win in the men’s 67kg Greco-Roman at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya on Wednesday, September 30.

Aytjan Khalmakhanov defeated Kyotaro Sogabe of Japan 3-2 in the final to take home his maiden Asian Games gold medal, as well as Uzbekistan’s first gold medal in wrestling at the ongoing edition of the quadrennial multi-sport event in Japan. Overall, Uzbekistan won three medals in wrestling, including a silver and a bronze.

Kazakhstan’s Meirzhan Shermakhanbet and Razzak Beishekeev of Kyrgyzstan settled for bronze medals after losing their semifinals to Kyotaro Sogabe and Aytjan Khalmakhanov, respectively.

Also Read: Asian Games 2026: India eyes medals, faces Pakistan in hockey semi

Khalmakhanov’s Coach Wild Celebration Goes Viral

As Aytjan Khalmakhanov secured his maiden Asian Games gold medal despite facing a tough challenge from Japan’s Kyotaro Sogabe, his coach rushed onto the mat to celebrate the historic triumph.

The Uzbekistan wrestler suffered an injury on his forehead, sustained in his previous match, and had it plastered his forehead up, but yet he was bleeding throughout his fight against Japan’s Kyotaro Sogabe. Khalmakhanov managed to overcome his tough battle to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory, sealing his status as the new Asian Games champion in dramatic fashion.

What caught the attention of the spectators was his coach’s wild celebration after the gold medal win. Soon after the final whistle, Aytjan Khalmakhanov’s coach ran straight onto the mat, grabbed his exhausted fighter in a fit of absolute euphoria, and hoisted him up before executing a full-blown body slam that sent social media into an absolute frenzy.

HE FOUGHT THROUGH BLOOD. THEN HIS COACH THREW HIM TO THE MAT! One of the wildest celebrations you’ll see at #AsianGames2026! Uzbekistan’s wrestler battled through a 3–2 thriller against Japan, fighting through an injury and heavy bleeding to claim GOLD.Then came… pic.twitter.com/gcwYtURWXv

— Anil Bansal (@dilseanilbansal) September 30, 2026

It has been a tradition among wrestlers and their coaches to celebrate major victories with exuberant embraces and lifts, making the emotional bond between them a memorable part of the sport.

Since Aytjan Khalmakhanov was battling a forehead injury and bleeding during the final, the coach’s emotional celebration appeared even more dramatic, as he lifted his exhausted fighter off the mat moments after the hard-fought victory.

Who is Aytjan Khalmakhanov?

Aytjan Khalmakhanov hails from Uzbekistan and is of Kazakh ethnicity. Born on January 11, 2006, the Greco-Roman wrestler has already established himself on the international stage, winning world and Asian titles before his Asian Games campaign.

Khalmakhanov was shot to international fame when he won the gold medal at the Asian Wrestling Championships, followed by his maiden World Championship crown and the World U20 Championships in 2025. That year, the Uzbek wrestler won the gold medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Aytjan Khalmakhanov also won the gold and bronze at the World U17 Championships in 2022 and 2023, respectively, before continuing his meteoric rise on the senior circuit to cement his legacy as one of the most exciting young talents in international wrestling.

Now, Khalmakhanov’s maiden Asian Games gold medal adds another major achievement to his growing list of international honours, further underlining his rapid rise in Greco-Roman wrestling at just 20 years of age.

Also Read: Asian Games: India hits 10-gold mark, climbs to eighth in medals

Asian Games 2026: How Yashvir, Rohit Stunned Field Before Sri Lanka's Pathirage Won Javelin Gold?

Hrishikesh Damodar — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 20:47:17 +0530

Indian javelin throwers, Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav, secured impressive podium finishes at the Asian Games 2026, claiming silver and bronze respectively in a thrilling men's javelin final on Monday, September 28.

Yashvir Singh clinched a silver medal on his Asian Games debut with his best throw of 85.72, while Rohit Yadav secured a third-place finish on the podium with a throw of 84.35. Sri Lanka javelin throw star Rumesh Pathirage took home the gold medal on his debut at the Asian Games with a stunning throw of 88.55 meters.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem finished fourth with a season-best throw of 80.29 meters, unable to break into the podium places on a dramatic night of track and field. A total of four javelin throwers managed to cross the 80-metre mark in the men’s final, with Japan's Yuta Sakiyama rounding out the top performers by clearing the barrier in a fiercely contested medal event.

Also Read: Asian Games 2026: Parul Chaudhary wins two bronze medals in Aichi

Pathirage Faces Fierce Battle From Indian Javelin Throw Duo

As Neeraj Chopra was ruled out of the Asian Games 2026 and the remainder of the season, the onus of getting medals for India in javelin throw fell on Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav to step up, and the young duo delivered brilliantly with a double-podium finish. Yashvir was Neeraj’s replacement at the quadrennial multi-sport continental event in Japan.

However, the Indian javelin throw duo displayed immense composure right from the start. Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav kept themselves firmly in medal contention throughout the competition. After Yashvir took an early lead with a throw of 83.56m, Rohit moved to the top of the standings with 84.35m in the second round, holding onto first place.

Yashvir regained his lead with an 84.31m throw in his fourth attempt, before improving further to 85.14m in the fifth round, before Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage saved his best throw of 88.55 meters to clinch the gold medal in a thrilling final. The Sri Lankan star, who recently won the Commonwealth Games, World Ultimate Athletics Championships, and Diamond League, swept aside the competition with a phenomenal late surge.

DOUBLE PODIUM FOR INDIA IN JAVELIN! Yashvir Singh comes up with a Personal Best of 85.72m to win , while Rohit Yadav throws 84.35m to take . Yashvir Singh - 85.72m PB Rohit Yadav - 84.35mTWO INDIANS & TWO MEDALS FOR INDIA! pic.twitter.com/5SSsE3aKZj

— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) September 28, 2026

Yashvir Singh gave Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage a bit of the scare in the men's javelin throw. He was in the lead after three throws before Pathirage finally got the job done winning with 88.55m But a big personal best of 85.71m for Yashvir which is good enough for…

— jonathan selvaraj (@jon_selvaraj) September 28, 2026

Neeraj Chopra’s absence at the Asian Games 2026 due to the ankle ligament tear could have cast a heavy shadow of doubt over India's defence of their javelin crown, but the historic double-podium effort by Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav emphatically demonstrated that the country's future in the discipline is in safe hands.

Yashvir and Rohit clinched their maiden Asian Games medals in Japan, underlining India’s growing depth in men’s javelin throw and delivering a memorable double-podium finish in the absence of Neeraj Chopra.

How Did the Indian Athletics Contingent Perform at the Asian Games 2026?

India has sent 495 athletes across 36 sports to Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, and the athletics contingent has 79 athletes, the most among all sports disciplines. After shooting, the athletics squad was contributing significantly to India’s medal tally.

Out of the 45 medals won by India so far at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, the athletics contingent has contributed 19 medals, including nine silver and 10 bronze, followed by shooting with 12 medals, making athletics India’s highest medal-contributing discipline at the Games so far.

On Sunday, the athletics team won seven medals, and on Monday, the contingent added six more medals to its tally, taking its overall medal count to 19 at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026. With nearly 50 medals, India is currently in 12th position on the medal tally, with China (230), Japan (172), and South Korea (90) dominating the top three spots of the overall medal standings.

India will be hoping for the men’s and women’s hockey teams, wrestling contingent, and Rugby sevens to add more medals to their tally, as the nation looks to climb higher in the overall medal standings during the remaining days of the competition.

Also Read: Asian Games: India hammer Bangladesh 10-0, face Pakistan in semis

Asian Games 2026: Shooters Face Bus Chaos After Accident Delays Transport in Nagoya (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:38:16 +0530

The shooting contingents of several countries faced transport chaos in Nagoya on Wednesday morning after a road accident delayed official shuttle buses, leaving athletes waiting at their hotels on Wednesday, September 30.

There were two distinct shooting events taking place at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery, including the men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol Stage 1 and the team and trap mixed team events. The Indian shooting duo of Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Chenai clinched the gold medal in the trap mixed team with a record-breaking score of 34.

The shooting event has entered the final stages, with the men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol Stage 1 taking place on Wednesday, while the trap mixed team event has already concluded, with India taking home their ninth gold medal at the continental event.

Also Read: PM Modi hails Indian shooters, archers for historic Asian Games gold

Shooters Stranded at Hotel Because of Bus Delay

The ongoing Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya has already been under scrutiny over logistics issues, accommodation of athletes, and transport arrangements, with the latest transit mishap adding an unnecessary layer of stress for athletes preparing for high-stakes medal events.

As per the reports, the shooters from several countries were left stranded in hotel lobbies as a traffic accident gridlocked local routes, pushing scheduled departure times far past the clock with no immediate backup transport in sight. The shooters were reportedly ready for departure by 8:40 am, but the scheduled bus didn’t even arrive until after 8: 45 am, leaving athletes waiting in the hotel lobby.

Since the accident near the shooting range had caused heavy traffic congestion on the route, the official shuttle buses reportedly got caught in the resulting bottleneck, delaying the movement of athletes to the venue.

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Meanwhile, the Indian Sports Ministry came to the rescue of the shooting contingent by arranging dedicated private transport, ensuring that the Indian shooters were not affected by the bus delays and could reach the venue on time rather than relying entirely on the stalled official shuttles.

Earlier, Pakistan volleyball captain Murad Jehan had also called out the event's organisers over major logistical blunders, revealing that the bus took them to the wrong venue instead of the original location for their group stage match against Uzbekistan.

A Raining Gold for India on Day 11 of the Asian Games

The travel delay due to the morning transit chaos did little to dampen India's medal hunger, as the Indian shooting duo of Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Chenai put up an exemplary performance in order to take home the gold medal.

This was India’s third gold and the 15th overall in shooting, further strengthening the country’s medal haul at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Apart from shooting, Indian archers have contributed significantly to India’s medal tally, alongside athletics.

On Day 11, the Indian archery contingent won three gold medals, which include the compound mixed team, women’s compound team, and men's compound team, completing a historic clean sweep of all three compound archery gold medals on a blockbuster day for the country.

With four gold medals, India’s tally now stands at 59 medals, including 10 gold, 21 silver, and bronze, and moved to the seventh spot on the medal tally, where China (269), hosts Japan (191), and South Korea (99) continue to set the pace at the top.

Also Read: Asian Games 2026: Indian men's squash team confirms medal, beats Kuwait

IND vs PAK, Asian Games Final: Indian Man Comforts Crying Pakistani Girl After Loss in Viral Moment (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 01:29:44 +0530

Team India, led by Shreyas Iyer, successfully defended the Asian Games gold medal following a 19-run victory against Sahabzada Farhan-led Pakistan in the final at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Saturday, October 3.

After posting a solid total of 211/6 in 20 overs, thanks to brilliant fifties by opener Abhishek Sharma (61) and middle-order batter (51*), Indian bowlers restricted Pakistan to 192/6 in 20 overs, despite Hasan Nawaz's 96-run knock and his 87-run stand for the fourth wicket with Saim Ayub, who scored 29 off 22 balls.

Axar Patel (2/29), Washington Sundar (2/29), and Shivam Dube (2/33) shared six wickets between them to ensure that the Men in Blue crossed the finish line and defended their continental crown in style.

Also Read: Asian Games: India's gold rush continues, hockey team defends title

Indian Man Comforts Pakistani Girl After Defeat in the Final

As the Men in Blue defeated Pakistan to defend their Asian Games crown, which they won in the 2023 Hangzhou Games in China, emotions ran high at Korogi Sports Park, but a touching and heartwarming moment was captured on the sidelines of the stadium.

The relationship between India and Pakistan in cricket has become strained after years of political tensions, high-stakes bilateral blockades, and the frequent suspension of bilateral series. However, camaraderie and empathy shine through the fierce competition.

In a video that went viral on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), a Pakistani girl, who was apparently with her family, was spotted crying after the team lost to Team India in the final. The Indian man stepped in, offered words of comfort, and gently consoled her. This heartwarming gesture transcends cricket and politics.

An Indian Fan comforted a crying little pakistani girl after pakistan lost to india in #AsianGames#INDvsPAKThis is India & Indian Fans pic.twitter.com/POfddujZJW

— Amit Singh (@RockstarAmit) October 3, 2026

At a time when India refused to interact with Pakistan in cricket as a protest against the Pahalgam terror attack, which took in April 2025, the emotional interaction between the two fans stood out as a reminder of the human connection that can exist beyond sporting and political differences

The brief interaction between the Indian man and the Pakistani girl highlighted how moments of empathy can transcend sporting rivalries and political differences.

How did India and Pakistan’s Cricket Teams Perform at Asian Games 2026?

Team India and Pakistan have earned a direct qualification to the quarterfinals of the Asian Games 2026, as they held the highest seedings based on their elite ICC T20I rankings, bypassing the preliminary group stages to enter the tournament directly in the knockout rounds.

However, their respective quarterfinal clashes against Afghanistan and Hong Kong were washed out due to rain in Nisshin, advancing to the semifinals without throwing a single ball. In the semifinals, India defeated Sri Lanka while Pakistan won against Bangladesh to set up a much-anticipated final at Korogi Sports Park.

Frames that become #TeamIndia celebrate with the prestigious #AsianGames Gold Medal pic.twitter.com/dKGxw2xJIq

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 3, 2026

As Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh to clinch the bronze medal, bouncing back brilliantly from their semifinal setback with a 63-run victory, Team India once again etched its name in continental glory, successfully defending their crown and adding another golden chapter to their rich cricketing legacy.

The Men in Blue will now play the five-match T20I series against West Indies, starting on October 6, while Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in the T20I series starting on October 9, followed by an ODI tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Also Read: IGPL awards Pranavi Urs Rs 1 crore for historic Asian Games golf gold

Asian Games 2026: Did the Absence of Late Jaspal Rana Impact Manu Bhaker's Performance?

Hrishikesh Damodar — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:40:21 +0530

The Paris Olympics double medalist Manu Bhaker has ended her campaign without winning a single medal across four shooting events at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya. On Monday, the 24-year-old had yet another heartbreaking exit from the women's 25m pistol individual and team events.

At Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery, Manu Bhaker finished 11th in the qualification with a score of 579, missing out on a spot in the individual final. Earlier, Bhaker, alongside Rani Sarnobat and Esha Singh, reached the final of the women’s 25m pistol team event, but India finished fifth in the team standings with a combined score of 1,727, concluding a gruelling campaign for pre-event favourites.

In shooting so far, India has won 12 medals, including a gold, seven silver, and four bronze, highlighting a productive campaign for the wider contingent even as Bhaker searched in vain for her peak form.

Also Read: Asian Games 2026: Esha Singh wins silver in women's 25m pistol event

Manu Bhaker’s Shock Medal-Less Campaign

Ahead of the Asian Games 2026, Manu Bhaker was one of the favourites to win medals for India in shooting, alongside Esha Singh, Elavenil Valarivan, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Rudrankksh Patil, and Himanshu Dhillon in individual events, but the shooting phenom's uncharacteristic slump left her completely shut out of the podium.

Having won her maiden Asian Games gold medal in women’s 25m pistol in the 2022 Hangzhou Games and two gold medals and a silver at the 2026 Asian Shooting Championships in New Delhi, Bhaker was touted as a clear favorite to replicate her global success. It was expected of the two-time Paris Olympics medallist to lead the charge, given her recent success at the international stage.

However, Manu Bhaker found herself struggling to maintain consistency across all four events, with her campaign ending without a medal l despite entering the Games as one of India's leading shooting contenders.

Manu Bhaker & Rahi Sarnobat failed to Qualify for the 25m Pistol Women Final Manu Bhaker - 579 | 11thRahi Sarnobat - 568 | 30thOnly Top 8 made into the Finals pic.twitter.com/2oU1rmK48g

— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) September 28, 2026

Across four shooting events, Manu Bhaker reached the final in the women's 10m air pistol individual discipline, alongside appearances in the women’s 10m and 25m air pistol team events as well as the 25m individual qualification, yet uncharacteristically finished outside the podium in every single outing.

The Haryana shooter found herself unable to find her rhythm when it mattered most, wrapping up an uncharacteristic outing that left the Indian camp searching for answers.

Did Jaspal Rana’s Absence Impact Bhaker’s Performance?

Manu Bhaker’s participation at the 2026 Asian Games held profound emotional significance. The Indian shooting star made her first multi-sport event appearance following the sudden passing of her long-time coach, Jaspal Rana. Rana passed away due to cardiac arrest in June this year.

Bhaker and Rana’s association was instrumental in defining her career. Under the guidance of four-time Asian Games medallist, Manu Bhaker clinched two medals, bronze in the women’s 10m and 25m pistol individual events at the Paris Olympics 2024, a historic redemption from her Tokyo 2020 heartbreak.

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Earlier during her Asian Games 2026 campaign, Bhaker recalled how deeply she and her late mentor had looked forward to competing in Japan, noting that his constant emphasis on trusting the process remained her guiding light through an emotionally taxing week in Nagoya.

“I remember what he said, not once or twice, but all the time. It just stays with you. When a person has been a big part of your life, it just stays. It's very natural,” Bhaker said after finishing fifth in the women’s 10m air pistol final.

“Of all the things he said, what I remember the most is about the process. He was just so adamant about the process — that at any given point in your life, you have to be able to give your best performance and follow your process,” she added.

Jaspal Rana’s sudden demise has apparently left an unfillable void in Manu Bhaker’s corner, turning her campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games into one defined as much by emotional resilience as by athletic pursuit.

Also Read: Asian Games: Manu Bhaker's father questions poor organisation in Japan

What Next for Manu Bhaker after Asian Games 2026?

Manu Bhaker has had an emotionally taxing couple of weeks at the Asian Games 2026, not only because of her medal-less run but also due to the heavy weight of competing at the major international sporting event without her late mentor and coach, Jaspal Rana.

As the continental showcase in Aichi-Nagoya draws to a close, the 24-year-old double Olympic medallist will likely take a much-needed period of rest and reflection to process the emotional toll of the past few months. Considering her performance across four events, Manu Bhaker will look to regroup and bounce back stronger.

Jelena Arunovic, a Serbian pistol expert, is currently serving as Manu’s coach, provided by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), in order to through the transition following Jaspal Rana’s passing and ensure she receives top-tier technical support for international competitions.

Manu Bhaker’s next major assignment is the World Cup in Cairo, Egypt, from October 8 to 14, followed by the ISSF World Championship Rifle/Pistol in Doha, Qatar, from November 1 to 14, offering her an immediate chance to rebound on the global stage and begin building toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic cycle.

Who is Pranavi Sharath Urs? The First Indian Women Golfer to Win Gold Medal at the Asian Games

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sat, 03 Oct 2026 13:09:23 +0530

Indian golfer Pranavi Sharath Urs scripted a historic feat with her maiden Asian Games gold medal in Aichi-Nagoya on Saturday, October 3. Pranavi finished with a sensational 15-under-par 265 in the women's individual stroke play event at the Kasugai Country Club, clinching her maiden Asian Games title.

China’s Yin Ruoning and Shannon Tan of Singapore finished tied on 14-under-par 266, with Yin winning the silver medal in a playoff and Tan taking bronze. Pranavi finished her stellar campaign with an even-par 70 in the final round, sealing a total score of 15-under-par 265 to etch her name in history.

With this, Pranavi became the first Indian woman golfer and the third overall after Lakshman Singh (2002) and Shiv Kapur (1982 )to win the gold medal at the Asian Games, ending a 24-year wait for an individual golf gold medal for India at the continental multi-sport event.

Also Read: Asian Games 2026: Abhishek Sharma equals Yuvraj's T20I sixes record

Who is Pranavi Sharath Urs?

Pranavi Sharath Urs’ historic gold medal at the Asian Games has earned her national recognition, putting a well-deserved spotlight on a career built on immense hard work, dedication, and consistent performances on both domestic and international circuits.

Hailing from Mysore, Karnataka, Pranavi began taking up golf at the age of six after watching her father, Sharath Chandra Raj Urs, and brother, Samarth Urs, play at the iconic Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf Club. The 23-year-old received her first national breakthrough when she won the gold medal at the National Junior Golf Championship in 2018.

That year, Pranavi Urs earned her first international medal when she won the Singha World Junior Championship. Two years later, in 2020, Pranavi turned professional by dominating the domestic circuit and winning multiple titles on the Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour.

INDIA'S FIRST-EVER ASIAN GAMES WOMEN'S GOLF CHAMPION Pranavi Sharath Urs makes history as India’s first #AsianGames gold medallist in women's individual golf at #AichiNagoya2026. pic.twitter.com/CL4pyhr3E4

— Olympic Khel ™ (@OlympicKhel) October 3, 2026

In 2024, Pranavi Sharath Urs competed on the Ladies European Tour, where she finished third at the 2024 Andalucia Costa del Sol Open de Espana. In the following year, Pranavi further earned national recognition when she became the first Indian woman to win a professional open-field tournament against male golfers at the IGPL Invitational Mumbai,

And now, Pranavi Sharath Urs stands atop the podium in Aichi-Nagoya, having etched her name in golden letters as a true trailblazer of Indian golf. She also won the silver medal in the women’s team event, alongside Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar.

Pranavi’s Gold Medal Win Drew Widespread Praise From Fans

Pranavi Sharath Urs’ historic gold medal at the Asian Games has drawn widespread praise on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), with fans and sports enthusiasts celebrating her unexpected triumph and hailing the achievement as another landmark moment for Indian sport.

Taking to their X handles, many fans expressed their delight over Pranavi’s historic gold medal, with several highlighting the unexpected nature of India’s triumph in golf. One fan compared the achievement to India’s 1983 World Cup victory, while others highlighted the unexpected nature of the golf gold.

Some fans also praised the continued success of Indian women athletes at the Asian Games, while others described Pranavi’s victory as a new chapter for Indian sport. Several users expressed surprise over India winning a golf gold medal and celebrated the historic achievement.

Wtf howw goddamm this is historic achievement equal to 1983 world cup this is nutsssssss most of the people probably don't even know the context behind it but this is like zimbabwe winning World Cup, bro frame this victory in India's hall of fame holyyyy shitttt

— Abhijit Kumar (@AbhijitKum4468) October 3, 2026

Medals that too gold are coming from unexpected events. Thats hardwork in silence coming out. Kudos

— funsuk wangdu (@coolaxeeffect) October 3, 2026

Man I've lost the count of 'historic' medals women have won in these Asian games. Banger after banger. It's golf now. https://t.co/xqy25DCTNp

— Divyansh (@Dogberrryy) October 3, 2026

A golf gold this is the best news ✨️✨️✨️ https://t.co/ybVLPFUrzM

— Jhil ⸆⸉ྀི (@_whattsinaname) October 3, 2026

Good news keeps coming!! Women power at its best in these games! https://t.co/g7tqerkwnb

— SirKazam {blu tik} (@SirKazamJeevi) October 3, 2026

New Chapter Unloading https://t.co/lsuc4YYmUW

— Raj Tripathi (@rnt7520) October 3, 2026

Undoubtedly the greatest achievement in this year's asian games https://t.co/AAGsc9eWSB

— Vedant Singh (@VEDANTs07527524) October 3, 2026

why does it feel there's these gold medals left right and centre last 2 days. Good news so good to see especially from women athletes https://t.co/X3EcM31zMl

— Shyam (@DhonifiedRebel) October 3, 2026

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC WEEK for Bhartiya sports,ESPECIALLY ATHLETICS WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT https://t.co/8XqtNPIdZK

— Radhika K (@Its_radhika) October 3, 2026

Is this real or I am dreaming https://t.co/DS7jiOHdnH

— Saumitra Mohanty (@saumitramohanty) October 3, 2026

Nobody saw the golf gold coming. This Asian Games will be remembered for the unexpected victories. https://t.co/yQThYK5wQS

— Tanisha Manchanda (@tishajassnimu) October 3, 2026

Ohh God !!!!!!! Golfffff tooAre we witnesses new India in sports ??? https://t.co/vGL59AWHhp

— ZZAN! DESI HERE (@DINO_MY_LOVE) October 3, 2026

Absolutely Brilliant! https://t.co/v5LvlnUAl0

— Akriti Sharma (@BeingAkriti_) October 3, 2026

This is absolutely crazy . Gold in Golf. Wowwwwww https://t.co/HmfrIlJlQa

— Raj (@mainnahihoonna) October 3, 2026

This is great. Kudos to her. Our girls are incredible.

— Sasi Dash (@sasidash1) October 3, 2026

Meanwhile, India has clinched 80 medals, including 18 gold, 26 silver, and 36 bronze, and is currently at the fifth spot on the medal tally, where China (323), host Japan (248), and South Korea (142) occupying the top positions.

Also Read: Asian Games 2026: Pranavi Urs clinches historic individual golf gold