Asian Games 2026: Who are India's medal contenders today on September 21 (Day 2)?
(Courtesy : @r_patil16/Instagram)
Day 2 will see men’s 10m air rifle shooters taking centre stage
India clinched two medals on the opening day of Asian Games 2026, with both coming in shooting thanks in part to Elavenil Valarivan, who became the first individual medallist from India in Aichi-Nagoya.
She clinched a silver in the women’s 10m air rifle event, having already bagged another silver in the team event alongside Sonam Maskar and Vidarsa K Vinod earlier in the day.
Medals were also confirmed in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and cricket.
Also Read: Asian Games 2026: India’s updated schedule for Day 2 (September 21)
In MMA, which is making its debut at the continental event this year, 36-year-old Suchika Tariyal secured at least a bronze after a dominant 2-0 win over Mongolia’s Altanchimeg Baigalmaa in the women’s traditional 60kg quarter-finals. It is set to be India’s first-ever medal in the discipline at the Asian Games.
Meanwhile, the Indian women’s cricket team moved past Bangladesh in a lop-sided semi-final clash to book their spot in the gold medal match. In a repeat of last edition’s final, they will face Sri Lanka for the title on Tuesday (September 22).
On Monday, the Indian contingent will look to add to its tally, with eyes firmly fixed on the shooting ranges and the swimming pool.
Who are India’s medal contenders on September 21 (Day 2)?
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Shooting — Rudrankksh Patil, Arjun Babuta, and Divyansh Singh Panwar
Indian fans will look for a major medal prospect of the day, which can come from the 10m shooting range. In the men’s 10m air rifle event, India will field a world-class trio featuring former world champion Rudrankksh Patil, Olympian Arjun Babuta, and experienced international campaigner Divyansh Singh Panwar.
The qualification round begins at 6:15 am IST, which doubles as the Men’s 10m Air Rifle Team final. The Indian trio entered the Games as heavy contenders to challenge likely East Asian powerhouses China and South Korea for the team gold.
Individually, all three possess the scoring depth to breach the 630-plus threshold required to enter the top eight. The individual final is scheduled for 9:00 am IST.
Related: Asian Games 2026: Updated medal tally after Day 1, September 20
Shooting — Anant Jeet Singh Naruka, Gurjoat Siingh Khangura, Maheshwari Chauhan, Raiza Dhillon
Shotgun action gets underway at 6:30 am IST with the qualification stages of the Men’s and Women’s Skeet competitions.
In the men’s event, Hangzhou 2022 silver medallist Anant Jeet Singh Naruka leads the Indian challenge alongside seasoned competitor Gurjoat Singh Khangura.
On the women’s side, Paris 2024 mixed skeet finalist Maheshwari Chauhan and young talent Raiza Dhillon will look to stay near the top of the leaderboard.
Also Read: Asian Games 2026 Day 1 Results: Elavenil bags twin silver, medal confirmed in MMA, cricket
Swimming — Srihari Nataraj, Akash Mani, Danush Suresh
Leading the charge is Olympian Srihari Nataraj, who headlines the men’s 50m backstroke event. The 50m backstroke is Nataraj’s pet sprint event, where raw speed off the blocks and underwater kicks decide margins in hundredths of a second.
If he can execute a clean race in the morning preliminary heats (starting from 6:30 am IST), Nataraj represents India’s best outside chance to sneak into the final (1:30 pm IST onwards) and contend for a podium finish against stiff competition from Japan and China.
Additionally, Akash Mani (Men’s 50m Freestyle) and Danush Suresh (Men’s 50m Breaststroke) will be in action, alongside the Indian quartet in the Men’s 4x200m Freestyle Relay.
Who are India’s top medal contenders in shooting on Day 2 (September 21) at the Asian Games 2026?
Rudrankksh Patil, Arjun Babuta, and Divyansh Singh Panwar lead India’s challenge in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle event, competing for team and individual medals.
What time is India’s Men’s 10m Air Rifle final on September 21 at Asian Games 2026?
The qualification round, which doubles as the team final, begins at 6:15 AM IST, with the individual final scheduled for 9:00 AM IST.
How many medals has India won so far at Asian Games 2026?
India has clinched two medals after the first day of action at the Asian Games. Both silver medals came in shooting.
When will India’s day start on September 21 at Asian Games 2026?
India’s action on Day 2 will start at 5:30 am IST, with the Sepaktakraw, Wushu and soft tennis events.
How many medal events will India contest on Day 2 (September 21) at Asian Games 2026?
India will compete in at least two medals events (Wushu and shooting), with potential medal opportunities to come in shooting and swimming.
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