India's Asian Games show: The biggest hits & misses

India finished the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in fourth place, earning a total of 85 medals – 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze. While this tally fell short of the record-setting 106 medals earned at the Hangzhou Asian Games, a strong finish in the final days helped to lift the campaign and added several memorable moments to India's sporting story.

Several key successes stood out throughout the Games. In archery, five gold medals were secured across various categories, with Kumkum Mohod's historic victory in the women's individual recurve event being the standout moment. Hockey delivered a crucial boost for the country, with both the men's and women's teams winning gold medals, ending long-standing medal droughts.

Cricket teams secured their titles, with Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma's outstanding batting highlighted as India retained its crown. Boxers collected three gold medals, with Lovlina Borgohain becoming only the second Indian woman to win an Asian Games boxing gold. Wrestling saw Aman Sehrawat's inspiring comeback, marking a significant personal milestone.

Athletics contributed the most medals overall, producing 24 medals across various events. However, athletics was the biggest area of disappointment, as only one gold was secured despite producing a strong medal haul. Tennis faced a historic medal drought, marking the first time in four decades India failed to win a single medal in the sport.

Shooting experienced several near misses before ultimately securing three gold medals. Badminton produced only one bronze, falling below expectations for a sport that has churned out numerous Asian Games and Olympic stars.