India beat arch-rivals Pakistan to win Asian Games cricket gold

Nagoya, Japan: India beat their fierce rivals Pakistan by 19 runs on Saturday to win Asian Games cricket gold after a pulsating final in front of a small but raucous crowd in Nagoya, Japan. orlando-books.blog

World T20 champions India posted 211-6 in their 20 overs with Abhishek Sharma scoring 61 and Tilak Varma 51 not out, before Hasan Nawaz's valiant 96 saw Pakistan come up just short at 192-6.

The neighbouring countries only meet in international tournaments and on neutral ground because of political tensions and the captains refused the normal handshakes before the match.

Afterwards, the jubilant India players paraded their national flag around the ground.

The clash on a converted baseball field in Japan was new ground for even these bitter enemies and their hundreds of millions of fans who were watching back home on TV.

After India chose to bat, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced his intention with back-to-back sixes in a second over from Saad Masood that cost 24 runs.

But the 15-year-old batting sensation fell four balls later for 15.

His opening partner Abhishek reached his fifty off 20 balls to a massive ovation from fans that had brought a touch of South Asia cricket fever to the Far East and Korogi Park Athletic Stadium.

India were aided by some sloppy Pakistan fielding that saw Abhishek dropped twice.

He should also have been run out on 46 when bowler Ahmed Daniyal's throw missed both stumps and wicketkeeper with Abhishek stranded.

After he went for 61, Ishan Kishan fell for 20 as the Pakistan bowlers began to regain control.

When captain Shreyas Iyer also departed soon after for 21, India had been pegged back to 133-5 in the 15th over.

But Tilak Varma hit four sixes and Shivam Dube (27) two more as the pair unleashed a late onslaught, putting on 62 in five overs for the sixth wicket as India soared past 200.

Pakistan's Hasan Nawaz (L) and teammate Abdul Samad gesture during the men's cricket final match in Nisshin on October 3, 2026. (Photo by Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP)

Valiant Hasan

Pakistan's previous best score in T20 internationals batting second was 208-3 against Sri Lanka in Pallekele and they made a good start in search of their record chase.

Sahibzada Farhan (10) and Maaz Sadaqat put on 33 for the first wicket in 3.4 overs.

When Sadaqat went for 23 it seemed that they might fold easily.

Hasan had other ideas, and he began to pick up the pace and bounce of the pitch as he raced to a fifty off 28 balls with five sixes.

He was supported by Saim Ayub and their partnership grew to 87 before Dube struck.

He induced Ayub into a false shot with Washington Sundar gratefully grasping the chance running in from square leg to leave Pakistan 126-4 at the start of the 15th over.

Hasan ploughed on and Pakistan needed 52 off the last three overs when Sundar got Abdul Samad to hit to long-on.

At 168-5 with two overs left, India brought back Jasprit Bumrah and his over cost only 11 runs, leaving an improbable 33 off the final over, bowled by Dube.

Hasan reached 96 and fell off the last ball attempting one last big shot.

His brilliant knock came off 51 deliveries, with seven sixes and five fours.

Sri Lanka took the bronze medal after beating Bangladesh by 63 runs in the third-place playoff.

توج سعادة الشيخ جوعان بن حمد آل ثاني رئيس المجلس الأولمبي الآسيوي رئيس اللجنة الأولمبية القطرية الثنائي القطري راشد نواف ومشاري نواف بالميدالية الذهبية لمسابقة البادل للرجال، ضمن منافسات دورة الألعاب الآسيوية العشرين آيتشي-ناغويا 2026



وحقق ثنائي الأدعم إنجازا تاريخيا بعدما حسم المباراة النهائية أمام الثنائي الماليزي كريستيان شين، وأيدان يونس بمجموعتين دون رد، بواقع ( 6-3 و6-1) اليوم السبت في نهائي المسابقة.



وسجلت قطر أول ميدالية ذهبية في تاريخ منافسات البادل بدورات الألعاب الآسيوية، في أول ظهور للعبة ضمن البرنامج الرسمي للألعاب الآسيوية.

Nagoya: President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani presented the gold medal to Qatar's Rashed Nawaf and Mishari Nawaf after they won the men's padel competition at the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

The duo made history by defeating the Malaysian pair of Christian Chin and Aidan Yunus in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1, in Saturday's final.

Qatar secured the first gold medal in padel in Asian Games history as the sport made its debut on the official Asian Games program.

Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Sports for All Federation (QSFA), under the Ministry of Sports and Youth, will launch a series of Sports for All activities for women and girls of all ages at Ruqaya Preparatory School for Girls in the Umm Al Seneem area tomorrow, Sunday October 4.

The event aligns with the QSFA's community role and its programs dedicated to women and girls. It aims to increase their participation in sports and community activities by providing opportunities for participants across a broad range of ages, encouraging regular exercise and making physical activity an integral part of daily life.

Running for three months, the event will be held weekly from Sunday to Wednesday, from 4pm to 7pm. It will offer a diverse program of sports and recreational activities supervised by specialized female trainers and an all-female administrative and technical team from the QSFA.

This arrangement will provide a welcoming atmosphere in which participants can exercise safely and privately, with activities tailored to the needs of different age groups.

The Sports for All Oasis event features a wide range of activities, including football, volleyball, badminton, and basketball. It also offers fitness classes, walking sessions, bodyweight strength training, and stretching and balance exercises.

These options give participants varied ways to stay active through programs tailored to their ages and physical abilities.

QSFA Executive Director Abdullah Al Dosari said the launch of the Sports for All Oasis reflects the Ministry of Sports and Youth's commitment to supporting women and advancing its vision of broadening participation in sports.

He highlighted the Federation's dedication to providing high-quality programs tailored to women and girls of all ages.

In a press statement, Al Dosari said the event aims to provide women and girls with a safe and comfortable sports environment that respects their privacy and enables them to participate in a variety of activities in an organized setting under the supervision of a specialized female team.

He noted that women-focused sports events have become an integral part of the QSFA agenda, providing an important platform for encouraging women and their daughters to exercise and develop a lasting connection with physical activity, while upholding the highest organizational standards and addressing their specific needs for privacy.

Al Dosari added that the Federation organized approximately 38 sports tournaments and events for women and girls during the summer as part of its efforts to expand sports participation.

He said the diversity of these programs, which catered to various age groups and fitness levels, was instrumental in attracting a large number of participants.

He said the Sports for All Oasis is a new addition to this framework.

The three-month program combines sports and recreation while offering participants a wide range of options, encouraging sustained physical activity and motivating women and girls to make sports an integral part of their lifestyles.

PARIS: The official opening ceremony of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend took place in Paris on Thursday evening, October 1, marking the start of one of the most prestigious fixtures on the international horse racing calendar.

Heading the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) delegation at the ceremony, Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al-Attiyah, QREC Chairman, addressed an audience of dignitaries, racing officials, and international guests. In his remarks, he highlighted the profound bond between QREC and France Galop—a partnership established in 2008 and built upon a shared commitment to horseracing excellence.

"Our enduring relationship with France Galop is founded on a mutual devotion to the horse, an uncompromising pursuit of sporting excellence, and a commitment to preserving our rich equestrian heritage," stated Al-Attiyah. "Together, our ambition remains to promote racing at its absolute pinnacle and to afford these exceptional athletes the global stage they deserve."

The Chairman extended appreciation to France Galop’s partners, including Cygames, for their contribution to the international reach of the weekend’s festivities.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s highlight races, Al-Attiyah pointed to the fierce competition expected across both code disciplines. In the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, attention centres on Daryz as he bids for a second consecutive victory following his successful preparatory trial.

Meanwhile, the Qatar Arabian World Cup enters a new era as the contender field opens following the retirement of three-time champion Al Ghadeer to stud.

Concluding his address, the Chairman paid tribute to the late Father Amir, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, acknowledging His Highness’s foundational role in establishing modern Qatar and positioning Qatari horse racing as a global leader.