Aichi-Nagoya: India began Day 13 of the Asian Games 2026 with a strong showing in women’s recurve archery, taking a 4-2 lead over South Korea in the gold medal match at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park on Friday. The Indian trio of Ankita Bhakat, Kirti and Kumkum Mohod is bidding for gold in a closely contested final.

India entered the final after defeating China 5-1 in the semi-final. In the gold medal contest against South Korea, the first two sets were level at 54-54 and 56-56 before India took the third set 55-51 to move 4-2 ahead.

The archery final is among several medal opportunities for India on Day 13, with boxing, hockey and wrestling also expected to contribute to the country’s medal tally.

India take 4-2 lead in archery final

The Indian women’s recurve team started the gold medal match against South Korea under pressure, with both sides finishing the opening set level at 54 points.

India then drew the second set 56-56. Kirti shot two 8s during the set, but Kumkum’s shooting helped India remain level with the South Korean team.

India finally broke away in the third set. South Korea shot four 8s, allowing the Indian trio to capitalise. India scored 55 points against Korea’s 51 to take the set and move 4-2 ahead.

The Indian team had earlier beaten China 5-1 in the semi-final. Kirti, Ankita and Kumkum won the first two sets and then closed out the contest in the third set to book their place in the final.

Three Indian boxers in gold medal finals

Boxing will be another major focus for India on Friday, with Lovlina Borgohain, Parveen and Ankush scheduled to fight for gold medals.

Lovlina is set to face China’s Bao Ziyi in the women’s 75kg final at 10 a.m. IST. Parveen will take on Chinese Taipei’s Chen Nien-chin in the women’s 65kg final at 2:15 p.m., while Ankush will face South Korea’s Kim Minseong in the men’s 80kg final at 2:45 p.m.

The three finals give India multiple opportunities to add gold medals to its tally as the continental competition enters its final stages.

Women’s hockey team eyes gold against China

The Indian women’s hockey team will take on China in the gold medal match at 3:30 p.m. IST.

India booked its place in the final after defeating South Korea 2-0 in the semi-final. The victory also assured the Indian side of at least a silver medal, while the team now has an opportunity to win the Asian Games title. China reached the final after beating Japan in the other semi-final.

The women’s hockey final is one of the biggest medal events on India’s Day 13 schedule.

Wrestling also offers medal opportunities

Several Indian wrestlers are scheduled to compete on Friday, including Dipanshi in the women’s 50kg category, Priya Malik in the women’s 76kg category, Sujeet in men’s freestyle 65kg and Rajat Ruhal in men’s freestyle 125kg.

Their opening-round performances could determine whether they progress towards the medal bouts later in the day.

India will also feature in other events, including sailing, track cycling, canoe slalom, rugby sevens and sepaktakraw, giving the contingent several opportunities to add to its medal count.

India medal tally reaches 66

According to the latest medal table displayed in the NDTV Sports live coverage, India had won 66 medals as of the morning of October 2.

The tally stood at:

  • Gold: 10
  • Silver: 23
  • Bronze: 33
  • Total: 66

India was placed eighth in the overall medal table. China led the standings with 155 gold, 71 silver and 64 bronze medals, followed by Japan and South Korea.

India had entered the day after adding medals in events including wrestling, sailing, squash and archery on the previous day. The men’s cricket and hockey teams had also secured places in their respective gold medal matches.

Cricket and men’s hockey finals await India

India’s men’s cricket team secured its place in the Asian Games gold medal match after defeating Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the semi-final. India will face Pakistan for the cricket gold on October 3.

The men’s hockey team also booked a place in the final after beating Pakistan 4-3 in a dramatic semi-final. India will therefore have another opportunity to defend its Asian Games hockey title.

With women’s archery already in a tight gold medal contest and three boxers and the women’s hockey team also fighting for gold, Day 13 could prove significant for India’s medal campaign.