The men’s cricket team’s campaign opener headlines India’s schedule at the Asian Games 2026 today, September 28, as Avinash Sable, Lovlina Borgohain and Manu Bhaker chase medals across athletics, boxing and shooting, respectively.
Defending champions India enter the men’s cricket competition at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 at the quarter-final stage, facing off against Hangzhou 2023 silver medallists Afghanistan at the Korogi Athletic Park.
Avinash Sable, feeling his way back from a long injury layoff, lines up in the 3000m steeplechase – an event in which he won a silver medal at Hangzhou three years back.
It is one of nine athletics finals featuring Indians in the evening session.
Missing Neeraj Chopra, India’s javelin throw challenge at this year’s Asian Games will feature Commonwealth Games medallist Yash Vir Singh and Rohit Yadav. The Indian duo will face a stern challenge from Rumesh Tharanga of Sri Lanka and Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan.
India have won the men’s javelin throw gold at each of the last two Asian Games through Neeraj Chopra, leaving Rohit and Yash with the task of extending that streak at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
Hangzhou silver medallist Murali Sreeshankar will have David Patturaj Solomon for company in the long jump.
Gulveer Singh will run in the 1500m while Parul Chaudhary will compete in the 5000m. Both Gulveer and Parul have already won medals at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
There will be medal chances in the women’s discus throw, men’s and women’s 400m hurdles and the women’s 4x100m relay.
In boxing, Tokyo 2020 medallist Lovlina Borgohain can confirm a medal in the women’s 75kg by defeating Republic of Korea’s Seong Suyeon in the quarter-finals. Priya Ghanghas and Kapil Pokhariya are also one win away from a podium finish.
In shooting, Manu Bhaker, Esha Singh and Rahi Sarnobat will scramble to qualify for the women’s 25m pistol finals. For Manu, it will be her final opportunity to win an individual medal at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh will shake off the disappointment of losing their respective singles finals as they lead India’s squash charge in the team events.
India’s archery contingent is also in action, with Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Chikitha Taniparthi in the compound women’s individual eliminations and Sahil Jadhav and Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru in the men’s draw.
In hockey, the Indian men face Bangladesh in their final Pool A match, while Pincky Balhara will be in action in kurash.
Volleyball continues while India’s tennis campaign begins.
READ MORE: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/asian-games-2026-india-schedule-today-september-28-monday
