India win 85 medals including 21 golds at Asian Games 2026; five standout moments
India finished the Asian Games 2026 with 85 medals, 21 of them gold, and several historic firsts and ended long droughts.
India put in a superb performance at the Asian Games 2026, winning 85 medals in all, including 21 golds. Several moments proved historic for the country, and five of them stand out.
The Indian women's hockey team ended a 44-year wait by winning gold. Led by Salima Tete, the team played well through the tournament. In the final, India faced China in a closely fought match and won 1-0, claiming gold for the first time since 1982.
In mixed martial arts (MMA), India won its first medal in the history of the Asian Games. Suchika Tariyal won bronze in the women's 60 kg category. She lost her semifinal, so India missed out on gold or silver in the event.
Soft tennis is among the sports included in the Asian Games for the first time. Jay Meena played superbly in the men's event for India and won the country's first medal in it, a bronze. In rowing, the pair of Satnam Singh and Salman Khan also won India's first medal.
In squash, Anahat Singh became the first Indian woman to reach the singles final. She could not win gold, but made history by taking silver. In pole vault, Baranika Elangovan won India's first Asian Games medal, a bronze.
Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu ended a 28-year drought and won a medal at the Asian Games for the first time, a silver. Sawan Barwal won India's first marathon medal since 1982, returning home with silver.
Taken together, the Games were special for India in many ways. First medals came in new sports and old droughts ended. This is why the Asian Games 2026 is being regarded as memorable for every Indian.
