Asian Games 2026: India finish with bronze in badminton men's team event after semi-final loss to China
(Courtesy : @BAI_Media/Twitter)
For only the second time in 40 years, India men achieve medal finish in consecutive editions
The Indian men’s badminton team settled for the bronze medal at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 after a semi-final loss to China at the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium on Wednesday, September 23.
India suffered a 1-3 loss to China in a thrilling semi-final clash, ending their campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
However, the men’s team had already secured a medal after beating Japan to reach the semi-finals, ensuring a podium finish for a second consecutive edition at the Asiad. India had won silver in 2022, making it the first time since 1982-86 that the Indian men’s badminton team has achieved a podium finish in back-to-back editions.
Also Read: Mirabai Chanu ends wait for maiden Asian Games medal; bags silver in 49kg weightlifting event
China control semi-final clash
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
India entered the last-four clash after a 3-0 win over Japan. However, the team could not replicate that form against China.
Lakshya Sen opened the tie against former world champion Shi Yuqi, but the Indian shuttler lost 16-21, 18-21 after a gruelling match.
Also Read: Asian Games 2026: India’s updated schedule for Day 5 (September 24)
Satwik-Chirag levelled the score at 1-1 with a 21-11, 22-20 straight-games win against Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang, showing great composure to win a tight second game. However, the Indian side could not maintain the momentum.
Li Shifeng, the defending men’s singles champion at the Asian Games, secured a 21-19, 21-13 win over Ayush Shetty to put China in command.
Arjun M. R. and Hariharan Amsakarunan then faced He Ji Ting and Liu Yi in a doubles clash, needing a win to keep India alive in the competition.
The Chinese pair took the first game, but Arjun and Hariharan fought back in the second game to force a decider. However, He and Yi were too strong, winning the third game convincingly to secure a 21-16, 17-21, 21-9 win. This secured a 3-1 win for China, sending them to the final.
Who won the India vs China badminton men’s team semi-final at Asian Games 2026?
China defeated India 3-1 in the men’s badminton team semi-final.
How many medals have India won at the Asian Games 2026?
India have won 12 medals at the Asian Games 2026 so far, including one gold, five silver and six bronze medals.
What medal did India win in the badminton men’s team event at Asian Games 2026?
The Indian men’s badminton team clinched the bronze medal after a semi-final finish in the men’s team event.
When did India last win a medal in the men’s team event in consecutive editions of the Asian Games?
The last time the Indian men’s team won medals in consecutive editions of the Asian Games was 40 years ago in 1982 and 1986.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram