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India makes it three out of three in archery, beat China in thrilling men's compound final

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Latest News: Todays Latest News Headlines from India & World | Hindustan Times | Hindustan Times

October 2, 2026
India makes it three out of three in archery, beat China in thrilling men's compound final

India aims to climb the medal tally on Day 10 of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. High-profile athletes including Manu Bhaker, Avinash Sable, and the men's cricket team headline a critical day of competition across multiple disciplines.

India's High-Stakes Campaign at the 2026 Asian Games

As the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya reach their tenth day on September 28, India finds itself at a pivotal juncture in its continental campaign. Currently holding the 12th position in the medal standings with 37 total medals—comprising four gold, 16 silver, and 17 bronze—the national contingent is aggressively pursuing a top-10 finish. The momentum from a productive Day 9, which saw notable podium finishes from Anahat Singh, Abhay Singh, Ancy Sojan, and Sarvesh Kushare, provides a strong foundation for the athletes entering the arena today.

Shooting and Precision Sports: The Morning Focus

The day begins early with a diverse schedule, starting with Sivaraj Babu in men’s shortboard surfing and moving into the high-precision world of compound archery. The shooting contingent remains a primary source of optimism for the Indian delegation. With veterans and rising stars like Manu Bhaker, Esha Singh, and Rahi Sarnobat competing in the 25m pistol events, the expectation for medal conversions remains high. These athletes have consistently demonstrated the composure required for major international tournaments, and their performance will be critical in bolstering India's gold medal count.

Athletics: The Core of the Medal Hunt

Athletics represents the most significant opportunity for India to bridge the gap toward the top 10 on the leaderboard. The evening schedule is packed with elite talent, including Avinash Sable in the 3000m steeplechase, Sreeshankar Murali in the men’s long jump, and Rohit Yadav in the javelin throw. Parul Chaudhary also returns to the track for the women’s 5000m. Given the recent success in track and field, including the bronze medals secured by Harita Bhadra and Tejaswin Shankar, the athletics squad is currently operating as the engine of India’s medal tally.

Team Sports and Knockout Pressure

Beyond individual prowess, Day 10 introduces high-stakes team pressure. The Indian men’s cricket team faces a challenging quarter-final fixture against Afghanistan, a match that carries significant weight as the tournament progresses toward the knockout stages. Simultaneously, the men’s hockey team is set to face Bangladesh. These team sports are not only vital for the medal count but also serve as a barometer for the depth and tactical maturity of Indian sports across different disciplines.

Strategic Implications and Future Outlook

India’s current standing reflects a pattern of consistent performance, yet the heavy reliance on silver and bronze medals highlights a need for greater conversion into gold. As the Games enter their final phase, the ability of athletes like Lovlina Borgohain in boxing and Sumit Nagal in tennis to navigate their respective brackets will determine if India can successfully break into the top 10. The strategic scheduling across Aichi-Nagoya ensures that India remains in the spotlight throughout the day, providing a comprehensive test of the nation's multi-sport development. The outcome of Day 10 will likely define the trajectory for the remainder of the 2026 Asian Games.