The Indian contingent is involved in several important medal events and knockout contests at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi Nagoya on Wednesday, September 23. Day 5 of the continental sporting event features major Indian names across weightlifting, shooting, badminton, hockey, fencing, rowing, squash, swimming, kabaddi and wushu.
One of the biggest highlights of the day has already come from weightlifting, where Mirabai Chanu secured the silver medal in the women’s 49kg category. The medal is significant because it is Chanu’s first Asian Games medal after previous appearances at the continental event. She finished the competition with a total lift of 198kg, including an 87kg snatch and a 111kg clean and jerk. North Korea’s Ri Song Gum won the gold medal with a total of 215kg.
Chanu’s silver also ended India’s long wait for an Asian Games weightlifting medal. India’s previous medal in the sport at the Asian Games came through Karnam Malleswari at the 1998 Bangkok Games. Chanu had finished ninth at the 2014 Asian Games, missed the 2018 edition because of injury and came fourth at the 2022 Hangzhou Games. Her silver in Aichi Nagoya therefore adds an Asian Games medal to an already extensive international record.
Badminton is another major focus for India on September 23. The Indian men’s team entered the semifinal after recording a 3 0 victory over Japan in the quarterfinal. Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, and Ayush Shetty won the three matches that gave India a place in the last four and guaranteed the team a medal.
In the semifinal, India are facing China. Lakshya Sen is scheduled to play Shi Yu Qi in the opening singles match, followed by the men’s doubles contest between Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty and China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang. Ayush Shetty is scheduled to face Li Shi Feng in the second singles match. The remaining possible ties involve Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun against He Ji Ting and Liu Yi, followed by Kidambi Srikanth against Weng Hongyang.
The badminton semifinal is particularly significant because it is a repeat of the men’s team final from the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where China won the gold medal and India finished with silver. India had already secured at least a bronze medal by reaching the semifinal in Aichi Nagoya.
Shooting is another important discipline for India on Wednesday. Manu Bhaker, Esha Singh and Suruchi Inder Singh are competing in the women’s 10m air pistol qualification and team event. The individual final was scheduled for 9 am, subject to qualification. India’s shooters are also participating in the men’s and women’s skeet events, with medal rounds scheduled during the day.
Weightlifting will continue to feature Indian athletes after Chanu’s silver medal. Gyaneshwari Yadav is scheduled to compete in the women’s 53kg final at 1:30 pm. Her event is another opportunity for India to add to its medal tally.
The Indian women’s hockey team is also in action against Thailand in a Pool B match. The team started the contest strongly, with live updates reporting India taking an early lead. The match is part of India’s campaign in the women’s hockey competition.
Wushu is another event attracting attention, with Roshibina Devi scheduled to compete against Indonesia’s Thania Kusumaningtyas in the women’s Sanda 60kg semifinal. A medal is at stake in the knockout stage. Roshibina had already helped India secure a medal place by progressing to the semifinal.
Several other Indian athletes are competing throughout the day. Rowers are participating in different heats, while Indian representatives are also involved in fencing, squash, swimming, kabaddi, boxing, canoe sprint, equestrian events, soft tennis and esports. The packed schedule gives India multiple opportunities to progress to finals and medal rounds.
The September 23 schedule therefore combines confirmed results with several ongoing and upcoming events. Mirabai Chanu has already delivered a silver medal in weightlifting, while India’s men’s badminton team is seeking a place in the final against China. Manu Bhaker and other shooters remain part of the medal competition, while Gyaneshwari Yadav and Roshibina Devi are also involved in important events later in the day.
For the latest available status, India has already secured a medal in the men’s badminton team event, while Mirabai Chanu has added another silver medal to the country’s tally. The badminton semifinal against China remains one of the key events of the day, with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty scheduled to play in the second tie.