Coach Muzumdar relishes Asian Games 2026 challenge as India Women’s cricket team lands in Japan

FILE PHOTO: India women head coach Amol Muzumdar said his side is extremely excited to participate in a multi-sport event. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Indian women’s cricket team head coach Amol Muzumdar said his players are eagerly looking forward to the unique atmosphere of the Asian Games 2026 after the defending champion landed in Japan, determined to extend its recent run of success.

Fresh from the T20 Asia Cup triumph, Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. will now turn their attention to the Asian Games, where India will look to retain the gold medal they won in the Hangzhou in 2023.

“The team is looking forward to the Asian Games and enjoying the environment of the multi-sport event,” Muzumdar said after arriving here with members of his support staff on an early morning flight.

A few members of the squad, including Kranti Gaud and Shree Charani, travelled with the coaching staff, while the rest were scheduled to arrive later in the day.

Muzumdar said the experience of living alongside athletes from different sports, sharing the Games Village and competing on a multi-sport stage is something he wants his players to embrace.

“The environment of a multi-sport event is something the team is looking forward to. We want the players to enjoy that experience as well,” he said, adding that the team had no issues with the accommodation.

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India enters the competition with an encouraging run of form. Shree Charani has been one of the standout performers during that run.

The 22-year-old left-arm spinner has emerged as a key component of India’s bowling attack, finishing the tournament with 12 wickets. Her consistency has also seen her cross the 50-wicket mark in T20 internationals in just 30 matches.

That form will be particularly valuable as India begins its Asian Games campaign with a quarterfinal game against hosts Japan on September 18 at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.

With only eight teams in the competition, the tournament begins at the quarterfinal stage, leaving little room for a slow start.