Indian Decathletes Kick Off Campaign at Asian Games 2026

Tejaswin recorded a time of 10.98 seconds in this initial event, earning him 865 points and placing him fifth overall after the first event.

Thowfeeq participated in Heat 1 of the 100m race, finishing fourth in his heat with a time of 11.02 seconds, which earned him 856 points.

Tejaswin Aims for Consecutive Medals

Tejaswin, who previously secured a silver medal in the decathlon at the Hangzhou Asian Games, is determined to achieve back-to-back medals in this event. The 100m race marks the beginning of ten events in the decathlon, with athletes competing in various disciplines over two days. Tejaswin is expected to excel in his stronger events, such as the long jump and high jump, scheduled for later in the day. He aims to gather essential points as the competition advances into the second day.

The decathlon events on the first day include the 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump, and 400m, while the second day features the 110m hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and 1500m.

Key Clashes in Kabaddi and Badminton

In other highlights, India’s men’s and women’s kabaddi teams are set to compete for gold medals, while two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu will commence her singles campaign in badminton during the Asian Games 2026 on Saturday.

Kabaddi Teams Pursue Gold

Both Indian kabaddi teams are scheduled to face Iran in the gold medal matches at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium. The women’s final will take place in the morning, followed by the men’s final in the afternoon, as reported by Olympics.com. The Indian men’s team aims to clinch their ninth Asian Games gold medal, while the women’s team is in pursuit of their fourth title.

PV Sindhu Leads Badminton Challenge

In badminton, PV Sindhu will kick off her women’s singles campaign, leading India’s efforts following the surprising exit of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty from the men’s doubles event.