Asian Games 2026: India’s medal hopefuls on September 28 (Day 9)
India’s contingent enters Day 9 of the Asian Games 2026 on September 28 with key medal opportunities in shooting at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery and a slate of athletics finals later in the day. The programme features the conclusion of the women’s 25m pistol event and an evening packed with track-and-field finals involving established and emerging Indian athletes.
After a busy Day 8 that included squash gold-medal matches, track-and-field podiums and weightlifting, Monday’s schedule is headlined by the women’s 25m pistol competition featuring Paris double-medallist Manu Bhaker and a series of athletics finals. The athletics programme on Day 9 lists reigning Asian Games champion Avinash Sable, long jump specialist Murali Sreeshankar, several middle-distance runners and multiple throwers among India’s entrants.
The women’s 25m pistol qualification round begins at 6:10 AM IST at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery, with Paris double-bronze medallist Manu Bhaker, Hangzhou multi-medallist Esha Singh, and veteran Asian Games champion Rahi Sarnobat set to complete the rapid-fire qualification stage. Cumulative scores from the precision and rapid rounds will determine the medals in the Women’s 25m Pistol Team event, while the top eight shooters will progress to the individual final scheduled for 10:45 AM IST. Given the trio’s experience in rapid-fire series, India enters as a strong favourite for a medal, with each shooter also aiming for an individual top-eight finish.
India’s throwing contingent for Day 9 includes veteran Seema and emerging athlete Sanya Yadav, who will represent the country in the women’s throws. Vithya Ramaraj and Anu Raghavan are named among India’s entrants in the track events, lining up for their respective races during the athletics programme.
Santhosh Kumar Tamilarasan is slated for the Men’s 400m Hurdles Final at 4:03 PM IST, a race that follows earlier morning shooting sessions. Reigning Asian Games champion and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Avinash Sable is listed among India’s key middle-distance prospects for the evening schedule.
Murali Sreeshankar, described in the schedule as a Commonwealth Games and Asian Games silver medallist, leads India’s long jump challenge alongside David Solomon. The sprinting and middle-distance line-up also includes Yoonus Shah and specialist Gulveer Singh, while the young throwing duo of Rohit Yadav and Yash Vir Singh will compete in the absence of talismanic Neeraj Chopra.
Parul Chaudhary, noted for her tactical endurance and closing 200 metres, will face top distance runners from Japan and Bahrain as she aims to contest for another continental gold medal. Her race is part of the evening athletics programme that India hopes will yield multiple podium finishes.
India’s immediate fixtures on September 28 feature the women’s 25m pistol individual final at 10:45 AM IST and the Men’s 400m Hurdles Final at 4:03 PM IST, with other athletics finals scheduled in the evening as listed by the team delegation.