Asian Games 2026: India retain cricket and men’s hockey gold
Why in the news
On 3 October 2026 India won two team golds at the Asian Games 2026 (Aichi-Nagoya, Japan), retaining both the men’s cricket and men’s hockey titles. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated both teams.
Key facts
- Cricket: India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the final after beating Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the semi-final, defending the gold won at the Hangzhou 2022 Games.
- Hockey: India beat Malaysia 5-1 in the final; Harmanpreet Singh scored twice. India had edged Pakistan 4-3 in the semi-final.
- It is India’s fifth Asian Games men’s hockey gold and the first time it has won the title in successive editions.
- The win secures direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
- India’s women’s hockey team also took gold, so both teams won at the same Games for the first time.
- India finished the Games with 21 gold medals.
Finals at a glance
| Event | Final | Semi-final |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s cricket | India beat Pakistan by 19 runs | India beat Sri Lanka by 124 runs |
| Men’s hockey | India 5-1 Malaysia | India 4-3 Pakistan |
About the Asian Games 2026
The Games are hosted by Aichi and Nagoya in Japan. Other Indian highlights include golfer Pranavi Urs, the first Indian woman to win Asian Games golf gold, and archer Kumkum Mohod, the first Indian woman to reach and win the individual recurve final.
Exam angle
- Cricket final: India beat Pakistan by 19 runs.
- Hockey final: India 5-1 Malaysia; LA 2028 berth.
- Host: Aichi-Nagoya, Japan; India won 21 golds.