Asian Games 2026 Day 10: Manu Bhaker's Campaign Ends, India Assured of Kurash Medal

India witnessed mixed fortunes on Day 10 of the Asian Games 2026 on Monday, with Manu Bhakers shooting campaign coming to an end while Pincky Balhara assured the country of another medal in Kurash. Indias mens cricket team was also at the centre of attention as it prepared for its quarter-final against Afghanistan amid persistent rain in Japan.

Bhaker missed out on a place in the womens 25m pistol individual final after failing to finish among the qualifiers. India also finished fifth in the womens 25m pistol team event, with Bhaker, Esha Singh and Rahi Sarnobat combining in the competition. The result brings Bhakers campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Games to a close. The Olympic medallist had been one of Indias most closely watched shooters, but she was unable to add an Asian Games medal to her record this time.

India, however, received a boost from the Kurash arena. Pincky Balhara booked her place in the womens 78kg semifinal after defeating South Koreas Lim Garam 3-0 in the quarter-final. Her progression into the last four guaranteed India a medal in the event. It is Indias third Asian Games medal in Kurash. Balharas result is particularly significant given her previous Asian Games experience. She had won a silver medal at the 2018 edition and will now have another opportunity to fight for a higher place on the podium in Aichi-Nagoya.

Attention then shifted to the cricket ground, where Indias mens team was scheduled to face Afghanistan in the quarter-final. The match was being closely watched because persistent rain in Nagoya had raised concerns over whether the knockout fixture could be completed. Reports said that if the game was washed out, the tournaments qualification rules would determine which side advances.

India entered the mens cricket competition at the quarter-final stage and is seeking to continue the countrys successful run in Asian Games cricket. The Indian womens team had already secured gold at the previous edition in Hangzhou, while the mens side also won gold in 2023. With the competition entering its decisive phase, Indias campaign on Day 10 continued to produce contrasting moments. Bhakers exit was a setback in shooting, but Balharas guaranteed Kurash medal gave the contingent another podium opportunity, while the mens cricket team remained focused on progressing further in the tournament.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Getty Images.