India's Asian Games campaign will enter a new phase on Saturday, September 19, as the Aichi-Nagoya Games officially get underway with the opening ceremony in Japan.
While sporting action involving Indian athletes has already begun ahead of the ceremony, Saturday will mark the formal opening of the 20th edition of the continental multi-sport event.
India will be looking to build on its record performance at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, where the country won 107 medals, including 28 gold. The Indian contingent will also be aiming to defend its titles in sports such as cricket and kabaddi.
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On Saturday, India's main competitive focus will be on Teqball, with Quimcy Joaquim Dsouza featuring in the women's singles semi-final.
Dsouza has already secured her place in the last four after winning both her group-stage matches. A victory in the semi-final would guarantee her a place on the podium and give India an opportunity to win its first Asian Games medal in Teqball, which is making its debut as a medal sport at the Games.
The Indian mixed doubles pair of Mohamed Anas Imran Beg and Quimcy Dsouza will also be in action in the semi-finals. In addition, India's men's doubles combination of Mohamed Anas Imran Beg and Declan Marshall Gonsalves will compete in the semi-final stage.
Asian Games 2026 Day 1 Schedule
| Time (IST) | Sport | Event | Indian Athlete(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | Teqball | Women's Singles — Semi-final | Quimcy Dsouza |
| 7:30 AM | Teqball | Mixed Doubles — Semi-final | Mohamed Anas Imran Beg / Quimcy Dsouza |
| 8:30 AM | Teqball | Men's Doubles — Semi-final | Mohamed Anas Imran Beg / Declan Marshall Gonsalves |
| 2:30 PM | Opening Ceremony | Asian Games Opening Ceremony | India contingent |
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