Writer: Sarah Athar (Delhi, India)
Editor: Kakumani Navya Sri (Hyderabad, Telangana, India)
Asian Games 2026 had lots of action for sports lovers as India and South Korea went head-to-head in archery, athletics, cricket, football, and fencing. Athletes from across Asia gave their best and created some memorable moments at the event in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. South Korea finished third in the medal tally, while India finished fourth. Both countries enjoyed their share of big wins and impressive performances. India made headlines with wins in women’s hockey and cricket, while South Korea shone in football and basketball.
OPENING CEREMONY
Nagoya, Japan, September 19, 2026 – A ceremony celebrating Japanese culture, sporting spirit, and unity across Asia marked the official opening of the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. The ceremony took place at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium and marked the start of 16 days of competition involving athletes from 45 countries and regions. Emperor Naruhito officially opened the Games.
The ceremony featured both traditional Japanese performances and modern entertainment. A floating replica of Nagoya Castle, traditional dancing, Kabuki theatre, and vibrant lighting showcased the region’s history and culture. These performances reflected the host region’s commitment to craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation.
Another big moment was the Parade of Nations, when the athletes entered the stadium on behalf of their countries. Manu Bhaker, the shooting star, and Pawan Sehrawat, the kabaddi captain, jointly led the Indian contingent carrying the Indian flag. The ceremony also showcased the Games’ official slogan “Imagine One Asia,” signifying friendship, cooperation and unity through sport. Athletes from all over the continent came together, and the opening ceremony set the tone for a sporting event full of competition, cultural exchange and unforgettable performances.
INDIA: PERFORMING IN DIFFERENT SPORTS
India finished fourth in the medal table with 85 wins consisting of 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze medals. Athletics was India’s biggest medal contributor, with 24 medals, followed by shooting with 15 and archery with nine. Other medal-winning sports included boxing, wrestling, squash, sailing, cricket, hockey, kabaddi, golf, weightlifting, wushu, badminton, kurash, mixed martial arts, rowing, sepak takraw, soft tennis and table tennis.
Some of India’s most memorable performances came in archery. Kumkum Mohod won gold in the women’s individual recurve event, while Pranavi Urs became the first Indian woman to win an individual Asian Games golf gold. India also won gold in women’s cricket and both men’s and women’s hockey. The women’s hockey team defeated China 1–0, while the men’s team beat Malaysia 5–1 in the final. In shooting, Neeru Dhanda won gold in the women’s trap event with a score of 26. India’s women’s 4x400m relay team also won gold in athletics, finishing in 3:29.69.
SOUTH KOREA: SUCCESS IN TEAM SPORTS AND INDIVIDUAL EVENTS
South Korea finished third with 150 wins, adding 39 gold, 43 silver and 68 bronze medals. Its successful campaign included basketball, baseball, football, handball, fencing, shooting, archery, taekwondo, judo, golf, skateboarding, teqball, esports and badminton, among other sports.
Team events were a major highlight. South Korea won both the men’s and women’s basketball titles, men’s baseball, men’s football and women’s handball. Its men’s football team defeated Japan 1–0 in the final, with Eom Ji-sung scoring the winning goal in the 61st minute.
South Korea also made history in newer events, winning its first Asian Games gold in skateboarding and the inaugural teqball title. In archery, Lee Woo-seok won the men’s individual recurve gold, while the country collected three gold, three silver and three bronze medals overall in the sport.
WHICH PERFORMANCE STOOD OUT?
India’s campaign was marked by historic achievements in archery, golf and hockey, whereas on the other hand South Korea impressed with its success in team sports and its continued strength in fencing and other individual events. Both countries showed the depth of talent competing across Asia.
CONCLUSION
The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games also gave a glimpse of the strength of India and South Korea in sports. India clinched fourth place with 85 medals, comprising 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze, while South Korea secured the third position with 150 medals including 39 gold, 43 silver and 68 bronze.
India’s wins in cricket, hockey and archery were a reflection of the country’s increasing prowess in several sporting disciplines. South Korea also showed strong performances in football, basketball, fencing and other sports. Both countries showed the commitment, teamwork and determination necessary to compete at the top level.
India and South Korea look ahead to future international competitions, but the performances in Aichi-Nagoya bring forth many moments for fans to cherish. Which Indian or South Korean athlete impressed you the most at the Asian Games 2026? Let us know in the comments!
Honestly, Kumkum Mohod from India really impressed me! Seeing such a young athlete perform with that much confidence and determination was incredible. And South Korea’s athletes were equally inspiring. So much talent, discipline and fighting spirit on one stage!