Nisshin, October 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s Asian Games men’s cricket gold medal belongs to the entire country, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan said after India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by 19 runs in the final to retain the title on Saturday.
India posted its 19th gold medal of the ongoing Asian Games with the victory at Korogi Sports Park, with Kishan dedicating the triumph to the millions of supporters who backed the team.
“It’s very important because, as I just said, when we win medals, especially when we win in Asian Games, it’s not just our victory, it’s the victory of the whole of India. Everyone wins because we played with everyone’s blessings and won this match. So, obviously, it’s a very good feeling,” Kishan told IANS after the match.
The left-hander added that victories at major multi-sporting events such as the Asian Games and Olympics represent the entire country.
“It’s the victory of the whole of India. Like I said, when you play Asian Games or go to the Olympics, it’s never about what you did well and you won this. It’s the victory for the whole of India and I would always want that whatever we win, it should be enjoyed by the whole of India,” he said.
Led by Shreyas Iyer, India, unchanged from its semifinal against Sri Lanka, opted to bat first and posted 211/6.
Abhishek Sharma top-scored with an aggressive 61, while Tilak Varma struck 51. Shivam Dube provided a late boost with a valuable 27.
Pakistan started its chase positively but India kept making breakthroughs at crucial stages. Hasan Nawaz kept Pakistan in the contest with a blistering 96 off 51 balls.
However, Pakistan eventually fell short after needing 33 runs in the final overs. Washington Sundar and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each as India closed out a memorable victory and successfully defended its Asian Games cricket title.
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