India begin Asian Games gold defence against Japan

India begins their gold medal defence at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 against Japan on Friday, with multiple sporting events in action throughout the day. The day kicks off with the Indian men's soft tennis team competing against Laos in Group C, followed by matches against Chinese Taipei and Mongolia later in the day. In teqball, Indian athletes will also participate in women's singles and mixed doubles events throughout the morning and afternoon.

The highlight of the day is the Indian women's cricket quarter-final against hosts Japan, taking place at Korogi Athletic Park. Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, India is aiming to successfully defend their gold medal from their record-extending eighth Asia Cup title. The two teams have never faced each other before in cricket.

India currently hold the top spot in the T20I standings, making them the strongest contender in the eight-team women's competition. Meanwhile, Japan enters the Asian Games for the third time in women's cricket, ranking 39th in the T20I team rankings. Despite this, Japan will be determined to overcome their challenge against a strong Indian side.

This will be an intense match, as it marks the first-ever encounter between India and Japan in cricket at the Asian Games. Japan's best finish in women's cricket at the Asian Games was a bronze medal in 2010. The knockout format of this year's competition leaves little room for error, adding to the significance of this game.