Nisshin, October 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India batter Tilak Varma said winning an Asian Games gold medal carries a unique emotion, after his crucial contribution helped the team defeat Pakistan by 19 runs in the men’s T20 final on Saturday.
India retained its Asian Games cricket gold at Korogi Sports Park, with Varma playing a pivotal role in the first innings. He smashed an unbeaten 51 off 22 balls to help India post 211/6 before the bowlers successfully defended the total.
“Obviously, very proud that we have added one more gold medal for our country and it’s a surreal feeling right now. Asian Games is something different — winning other tournaments like Champions Trophy or World Cup is completely different,” Varma told IANS after the final.
“There we’ll get a World Cup or something different feeling. But this feeling is holding the flag and getting that gold medal. It’s a different feeling which we can’t express and I’m lucky that this is the second time of me getting it and I’m really grateful for it,” he added.
Varma said managing the pressure of a high-profile final against Pakistan required staying focused on the immediate task, particularly after India lost wickets in quick succession.
With captain Shreyas Iyer dismissed, Varma and Shivam Dube focused on avoiding another wicket before accelerating later in the innings. The pair added 62 runs, with Dube contributing 27, to take India beyond the 200-run mark.
“It’s a big stage, playing final against Pakistan, there will be nerves. But at the same time, we have enough experience to handle the pressure. At the same moment, when you play the finals, you should be in the present moment and just thinking about the team,” Varma said.
He said he and Dube agreed to rotate the strike for a couple of overs before taking greater risks once the innings had stabilised.
Varma dedicated the gold medal to India and, personally, to his parents for their constant support.
“Obviously, this medal will be dedicated to the country, for India. But if you see, family is very important for me and they have been always with me, so I really want to dedicate this medal to my family — mom and dad,” he said.
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