Harmanpreet Kaur-led Team India reportedly clinched the Asia Cup 2026 title after defeating Sri Lanka, but the trophy presentation ceremony grabbed as much attention as the result.
The Indian team did not accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief and Pakistan Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi and walked away from the presentation ceremony.
Following the incident, India women’s head coach Amol Mazumdar backed the BCCI’s decision. Speaking after the title triumph, Mazumdar said the team had achieved its immediate goal and would now shift its attention towards the Asian Games 2026.
Will Mohsin Naqvi present India’s gold medal at Asian Games 2026?
The incident has raised an interesting question ahead of the Asian Games 2026 – If India wins gold in cricket, could Mohsin Naqvi be involved in presenting the medals?
The 2026 Asian Games are scheduled to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. Both the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams will be looking to defend the gold medals they won at the previous edition.
However, the medal presentation process at the Asian Games is different from a trophy presentation at a continental cricket tournament.
Who presents medals at the Asian Games?
The Asian Games are organised under the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and are recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The event is the 2nd-largest multi-sport competition in the world after the Olympic Games.
Gold, silver and bronze medals are generally presented by authorised OCA officials, representatives of the local organising committee and other designated dignitaries in accordance with the official medal ceremony protocol.
Therefore, unlike a cricket tournament where a particular official may be designated to hand over the trophy, Asian Games medals are presented according to the event’s established protocol and the officials assigned to the ceremony.
India won gold in cricket at the 2022 Asian Games
India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams both won gold medals at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, with the cricket competition taking place in 2023 after the Games were postponed from 2022.
The medals were presented as part of the official Asian Games medal ceremonies involving designated tournament and OCA officials.
Could Naqvi present India’s Gold Medal?
There is no automatic provision for Mohsin Naqvi to present India’s cricket gold medal. The medal ceremony will be conducted according to the OCA and Aichi-Nagoya 2026 organising committee’s official protocol, with the designated officials responsible for the presentation.
As a result, even if India wins gold in men’s or women’s cricket at the Asian Games 2026, it does not necessarily mean Naqvi would be the person presenting the medals.
For now, India’s focus remains firmly on the competition. After their Asia Cup success, Harmanpreet Kaur and her team will be aiming to make another statement on the biggest multi-sport stage in Asia.
Women’s Bronze and Gold Medal matches
The women’s medal matches are scheduled for September 22. The bronze medal match will begin at 5:30 AM, while the gold medal match is scheduled for 10:30 AM. The Indian team will have its eyes firmly set on the gold medal.
India Men begin campaign on September 28
The Indian men’s cricket team will begin its Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games campaign on September 28. India’s opening opponent is currently listed as TBC.