The 20th Asian Games will take place in Japan, between September 19 and October 4, 2026. Athletes from across Asia will compete in a wide range of sports, including cricket, hockey, badminton, athletics, shooting, wrestling, and kabaddi. Although the opening event takes place on Sept 19, some sports begin earlier. 2026 India’s Asian Games is set to start with teqball on Sep 17. Sporting events will start on Sep 10, before the official opening ceremony.

When Do the Asian Games 2026 Begin?

The official Asian Games 2026 dates are September 19 to October 4. India will begin its campaign through teqball on Sep 17, followed by the cricket  team of women quarter-final against Japan on September 18.

India’s Defending Champions at Asian Games 2026

The country enters as the defending champion in:

• Men’s cricket
• Women’s cricket
• Men’s kabaddi
• Women’s kabaddi
• Men’s hockey

India will aim to continue its strong performances in major sports such as badminton, shooting, boxing, athletics, wrestling, and weightlifting.

Indian Stars to Follow

Several leading Indian athletes are expected to compete at Asian Games 2026. Key names include:

• PV Sindhu – Badminton
• Aman Sehrawat – Wrestling
• Manu Bhaker – Shooting
• Lovlina Borgohain – Boxing
• Mirabai Chanu – Weightlifting

These athletes have represented India at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and other major international events.

India’s Key Asian Games 2026 Dates

India’s Cricket Schedule at Asian Games 2026

Cricket will be one of the biggest events for Indian sports fans at the Asian Games 2026. The cricket team of women in India will face Japan on September 18 in the quarter-finals. The women’s final is scheduled for September 22. The men’s cricket tournament begins on September 24. India has received direct entry into the quarter-finals and is scheduled to play on September 28. The men’s final will take place on October 3. India won gold medals in both the male and female teams cricket at the previous Asian Games. 

Hockey and Kabaddi Will Be Major Events for India

India’s hockey team for men’s will begin its pool-stage campaign against Indonesia on September 20. The team will also face Sri Lanka, Korea, Japan, and Bangladesh during the group stage. The male and female kabaddi teams will arrive at the event as the current title holders. Kabaddi matches begin on September 21, while India’s teams in both categories finals are scheduled for September 26.

Badminton, Athletics, Shooting, and Boxing

Badminton competition starts on September 20 and ends on September 29. Team events take place first, followed by singles and doubles matches. Athletics will run from September 24 to September 29. India will field athletes across track and field events, including sprints, relays, jumps, and throws. Shooting begins on September 20 and continues until October 1. Indian shooters will compete in rifle, pistol, skeet, trap, and rapid-fire events. Boxing starts on September 21, with the finals scheduled for October 2.

Other Sports India Will Compete In

India will also compete in sports such as archery, swimming, table tennis, tennis, gymnastics, cycling, golf, judo, karate, rowing, sailing, squash, taekwondo, volleyball, wushu, and esports. The Games will also feature newer events such as teqball, mixed martial arts, surfing, and padel.

Where to Watch Asian Games 2026 in India

Sony Sports Network holds the broadcast rights for Asian Games 2026 in India. Sports fans can also expect live streaming through Sony LIV. 

Asian Games 2026 will give India a major opportunity to compete for medals across many sports in Japan. Cricket, hockey, kabaddi, badminton, athletics, shooting, boxing, and wrestling will be the key events to watch.

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