On Day 12 of the Asian Games 2026, India’s men’s cricket and hockey teams are set to take the spotlight as they aim to defend their titles.
The day will also feature a thrilling India-Pakistan volleyball quarter-final. The cricket semi-final, led by Shreyas Iyer, will see India face Sri Lanka at 10 am IST, with a spot in the final on the line. The Indian team is determined to secure another gold medal, following their success in the last edition.
Later, at 1 pm IST, the men’s hockey team, captained by Harmanpreet Singh, will renew their historic rivalry with Pakistan in the semi-finals. This match is crucial not only for the tournament but also for early qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The intense India-Pakistan rivalry will also be showcased in men’s volleyball, with both teams clashing in the quarter-finals at 6:30 am IST.
India’s Broader Medal Aspirations
India’s quest for medals extends into various other sports on Thursday.
Shooting and Archery Events
The shooting events will conclude with the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol competition, where Anish Bhanwala will participate in the second qualification stage starting at 6:10 am IST. Currently, he stands fifth after the first stage, with the final set for noon if he qualifies.
In archery, India’s compound team, having already secured team golds, aims for more individual medals. Chikitha Taniparthi will compete against Indonesia’s Nurisa Dian Ashrifah in the women’s quarter-finals at 5:30 am IST, while Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru will face Taipei’s Chen Chieh-lun in the men’s quarter-finals at 9:47 am IST.
Squash Teams Pursue Final Spots
The squash teams are also vying for finals positions. The Indian women’s team will take on Hong Kong China in the semi-finals at 7 am IST, while the men’s team faces Malaysia at 1 pm IST. Both teams have already secured at least a bronze medal.
Wrestling and Judo Medal Opportunities
Wrestling will offer additional chances for medals, with Sumit Dalal (60kg), Aman (77kg), Nitesh Kumar (97kg), and Mansi Ahlawat (women’s 62kg) starting their Greco-Roman and women’s wrestling campaigns. Their respective medal matches, if they advance, are scheduled for 2:30 pm IST.
In judo, two Indian athletes, Yamini Mourya (57kg) and Inunganbi Takhellambam (70kg), will begin their competitions in the morning, with potential medal bouts set for 1:30 pm IST.
Cycling, Tennis, and More
On the cycling front, Harshveer Singh Sekhon will compete in the men’s omnium, with the points race being the medal event at 1:33 pm IST. Harshita Jakhar and Swasti Singh will participate in the women’s madison final at 12:18 pm IST.
India will also be represented in canoe slalom, sports climbing, taekwondo, and sailing. The women’s rugby sevens team will kick off their campaign against Hong Kong China at 8:50 am IST, followed by a match against the People’s Republic of China at 3:30 pm IST.
In tennis, Sumit Nagal is set to face China’s Wu Yibing in the men’s singles quarter-finals at 6:30 am IST.
Current Medal Standings
As Day 12 begins, India is positioned eighth in the medal tally with a total of 60 medals, comprising 10 gold, 21 silver, and 29 bronze. The team aims to enhance this count through a packed schedule filled with significant events and high-stakes matches.