India entered Day 8 of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya with several medal opportunities spread across athletics, kabaddi, shooting, archery, badminton and other disciplines.
With the competition moving into its decisive stages, Indian athletes are looking to convert strong performances into medals while several teams face important knockout contests.
Sawan Barwal Delivers Marathon Breakthrough
One of the early highlights for India came in the men’s marathon, where Sawan Barwal won the silver medal.
Barwal’s performance ended a long wait for India in the Asian Games marathon. He also improved on his national record during the race, adding an important athletics medal to India’s campaign.
Kartik Jayaraj Karkera was the other Indian competing in the marathon final.
Kabaddi Teams Target Gold
Kabaddi remained one of the biggest attractions on Day 8, with both the Indian men’s and women’s teams facing Iran in their respective finals.
The women’s final was scheduled earlier in the day, followed by the men’s gold-medal match. The two contests offered India a chance to add to its medal tally in one of the country’s traditionally strong Asian Games sports.
Shooting Adds Another Medal Opportunity
Indian shooters were also involved in important events, including the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions competition.
Ashi Chouksey, Tilottama Sen and Vidarsa Vinod were among the Indian athletes competing in the event, with qualification and team competition forming part of the day’s schedule.
Shooting has already contributed medals to India’s campaign, making every further qualification and final an important part of the medal race.
Athletics Takes Centre Stage
The athletics programme featured several Indian medal contenders and major qualification events.
Among the athletes in action were Tajinderpal Singh Toor, Jyothi Yarraji and Parul Chaudhary, while the decathlon and other track-and-field events added to a busy schedule.
India’s athletics campaign is particularly important as the competition enters its second week.
Badminton and Archery Keep India Busy
India also had representatives in badminton and archery.
Lakshya Sen was scheduled to face Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew, while Indian archers entered qualification rounds across recurve and compound events.
The results from these events will determine who progresses further in the individual and team competitions.
Squash and Other Sports Add to the Action
Indian athletes were also involved in squash, surfing, equestrian events and other disciplines on Day 8.
Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh were among the Indian squash players carrying medal hopes, while the wider schedule featured athletes competing across several venues in the Aichi-Nagoya region.
India’s Medal Campaign Moves Forward
India finished Day 7 with 23 medals — two gold, nine silver and 12 bronze — before Day 8 brought another opportunity to increase the tally.
With major finals in kabaddi and athletics alongside important events in shooting, badminton, archery and squash, Day 8 represents another significant stage of India’s Asian Games campaign.
The focus now turns to how Indian athletes perform in the remaining finals and knockout contests as the medal competition continues in Aichi-Nagoya.
