Asian Games: Sawan Barwal wins marathon silver; India bag silver in 50m rifle event

Asian Games 2026 Day 7 Live Updates: Sawan Barwal delivered a landmark performance for India at the Asian Games 2026, winning silver in the men’s marathon final and ending a long wait for an Indian medal in the event. Barwal’s podium finish is India’s first marathon medal at the Asian Games since the 1982 Delhi edition, adding another significant result to the country’s athletics campaign in Aichi-Nagoya.

Attention then turned to the men’s decathlon, where Indian national record holder Tejaswin Shankar began his bid for a second consecutive Asian Games medal. Tejaswin, who won silver in the decathlon at the Hangzhou Asian Games, opened his campaign with the 100m race and clocked 10.98 seconds. His effort earned him 865 points and left him fifth after the first event.

N Thowfeeq also started his decathlon campaign with the 100m. Competing in Heat 1, he finished fourth in 11.02 seconds and collected 856 points.

The 100m is only the opening event of the 10-event decathlon, with athletes competing across two days. The first day includes the 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump and 400m. The second day will feature the 110m hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw and 1500m.

Tejaswin will have opportunities to make up ground in his stronger disciplines, with the long jump and high jump scheduled later on Saturday.

India also has major medal opportunities in kabaddi and badminton. Both the men’s and women’s kabaddi teams will compete in gold-medal matches against Iran at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium. The women’s final will be held in the morning, followed by the men’s title clash in the afternoon.

The Indian men’s kabaddi team will aim for its ninth Asian Games gold medal, while the women’s team will chase its fourth title.

In badminton, two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu begins her women’s singles campaign on Saturday. Sindhu will lead India’s challenge following the unexpected exit of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty from the men’s doubles event.