India lose shooting medal at Asian Games in bizarre fashion

NAGOYA: Persistent rain disrupted multiple competitions at the Asian Games on Monday, causing scheduling headaches for organisers. Tennis, surfing, and cricket were among the sports affected on day nine of the event. The men's cricket quarter-finals between Pakistan and Hong Kong, as well as India and Afghanistan, were washed out after the playing field became drenched at Korogi Athletic Park.

Due to a lack of contingency in the schedule, Pakistan and India advanced to the semi-finals of the T20 tournament based on their higher rankings. Afghanistan's opener Mohammed Akram expressed disappointment, stating that their players were in form and they would have been happy to play in the rain. Typhoon Surigae, which hit Japan's southern Okinawa prefecture, was expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to central Japan and Tokyo by midweek, potentially causing further disruptions.

The Games, primarily based in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture, have also seen diving events in Tokyo and soccer matches in Osaka. The rain forced the cancellation of several tennis matches on Sunday and caused delays on Monday, frustrating fans hoping to watch Filipino headliner Alex Eala's opening match against Thai opponent Patcharin Cheapchandej.

Eala, the women's top seed, had her match moved off centre court, but it was yet to begin by mid-afternoon. Surfing was called off early due to poor wave conditions at the Long Beach venue, with medal finals pushed to the final scheduled day, Tuesday. The Asian Games run until October 4.