India signed off from the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya with a strong run of gold-medal performances, highlighted by historic victories in hockey, cricket, archery and golf. The campaign also saw India secure direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics in hockey and archery. India eventually finished fourth in the medal table with 85 medals, including 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze. 

The Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams completed a historic double, with both sides winning gold and ensuring their places at the LA 2028 Olympics. The men’s team successfully defended its Asian Games title after defeating Malaysia 5-1 in the final. Captain Harmanpreet Singh led the side’s charge as India secured its fifth Asian Games hockey gold. The women’s team ended a 44-year wait for the Asian Games title, beating defending champions China 1-0 in the final. 

India also retained its men’s cricket gold medal, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by 19 runs in a thrilling final. India scored 211/6, led by Abhishek Sharma’s 61 and 51 runs from Tilak Varma. 

In archery, 17-year-old Kumkum Mohod scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an individual recurve gold at the Asian Games. She defeated South Korea’s Oh Yejin 6-5 in a dramatic shoot-off, sealing victory with a perfect 10 after the final was tied at 5-5. The win also secured an LA 2028 quota place for India.

Pranavi Urs added another landmark gold in golf, becoming the first Indian woman to win an individual Asian Games golf title. The 23-year-old from Mysuru overcame a triple bogey in the final round to finish one stroke clear at 15-under 265. Her performance also helped India win silver in the women’s team event alongside Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar. 

Wrestling further strengthened India’s gold tally, with Aman Sehrawat winning the men’s freestyle 57kg title. Deepak Punia added a bronze in the 97kg category. Indian wrestlers finished with six medals overall – two gold, two silver and two bronze. 

India’s medal count at the Asian Games reflects the country’s growing strength across sports. These historic victories have set the stage for an even stronger journey towards the future global sports events.