India continued its strong campaign at the 2026 Asian Games on Thursday, October 1, with the spotlight firmly on two major contests involving Pakistan. The day began with India facing Sri Lanka in the men’s T20 cricket semifinal, while the men’s hockey team was scheduled to meet Pakistan in a high-stakes semifinal.

The biggest update came from cricket, where India defeated Sri Lanka by 124 runs to book its place in the gold-medal match. The result sets up an India-Pakistan final, with the two teams now set to battle for the Asian Games men’s T20 cricket gold medal.

India storm into cricket final

Led by Shreyas Iyer, India produced a commanding performance against Sri Lanka. Ishan Kishan played a key role with the bat, while India's bowling attack completed the job by dismissing Sri Lanka for just 45 runs.

India's 124-run victory ensured that the team moved into the gold-medal match, where Pakistan awaits. The final is scheduled for October 3.

India-Pakistan hockey semifinal in focus

Attention now shifts to the men’s hockey semifinal, where India faces Pakistan. The match is particularly important because the winner of the men’s hockey gold medal at the Asian Games will earn direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

India entered the semifinal unbeaten, having topped Pool A with five wins from five matches. Pakistan, meanwhile, stands between India and another Asian Games hockey final.

Packed day for Indian athletes

Day 12 has also featured major events in archery, shooting, squash, wrestling, cycling, rugby, judo and other disciplines. India and Pakistan also met in the men’s volleyball quarterfinal earlier in the day, making October 1 a significant day for the sporting rivalry between the two nations.

India entered the day with 10 gold, 21 silver and 29 bronze medals, according to the latest tally reported before the day's events.

With India already assured of a cricket gold-medal match against Pakistan, the hockey semifinal adds another major India-Pakistan contest to an action-packed Asian Games schedule.