Three gold medals and three Asian Games records have catapulted China's Yu Zidi, 13, into the sporting spotlight. She is far from the first teen prodigy, but should teens be competing at elite level?
Deutsche Welle5h ago
Thirteen-year-old swimming star Yu Zidi claims a dominant victory in the 400m individual medley to complete a hat-trick of gold medals at the Asian Games.
BBC9h ago
Al-Attiyah is the first person to win a gold medal at the Games in the same year as his Dakar Rally triumph.
Al Jazeera10h ago
Chanu finally clinches an elusive Asian Games medal in Japan and Ri Song-gum wins North Korea’s first gold.
Al Jazeera10h ago
India’s first MMA medal at the Asian Games was overshadowed by controversy over the result.
Al Jazeera22 Sept
Fariba Hashimi, who used to disguise herself as a man to train in Afghanistan, finishes second in women's road race.
Al Jazeera22 Sept
NAGOYA, Japan: World champions India survived a mighty scare on Tuesday, edging out Japan by two runs in a rain-curtailed Twenty20 International reduced to five overs per side. Electing to bat on a sluggish surface with a slow outfield, India's batters struggled to adjust, posting a below-par 32 for 4. Skipper Shreyas Iyer was the lone batter to reach double figures, making 16. In reply, the hosts finished on 30 for 3, falling agonisingly short of a historic upset in the first-ever men's T20 meeting between the sides at the Sano International Cricket Stadium. "Honestly speaking, it was a very difficult wicket to bat on," Iyer said. "A five-over game, it can go anywhere. It doesn't matter how good a team you are." "The attitude and approach the Japanese team showed today was impeccable, and kudos to them. Their approach was outstanding. I'm sure that they are on the right track." Japan had used diplomatic channels to line up the high-profile match against India, who planned to use the game to get used to conditions in Japan before beginning their Asian Games title defence. However, persistent rain nearly derailed the men's team's maiden international against a test-playing nation and the contest was reduced to a five-over shootout. Japan's Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, left, bats in front of India's Sanju Samson during the Suzuki Cup T20 cricket match in Sano, Japan, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. (AP) India's formidable lineup misread the conditions early on, losing wickets while trying to hit their way out of trouble. Opener Abhishek Sharma fell for a golden duck, Sanju Samson managed nine, and Ishan Kishan was dismissed for three. Iyer faced 12 deliveries for his 16, finding the boundary just once. India did not use any fast bowlers, operating exclusively with spin. While Axar Patel delivered a tight opening over, Ravi Bishnoi conceded 10 runs in his only over. Japan captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming anchored the chase with a run-a-ball 12. Tension peaked in the final over when India successfully contested a wide-ball call that was eventually reversed, leaving the hosts two runs shy of their target. Kadowaki-Fleming said he was extremely proud of his team's performance against such formidable opposition. "Emotions are running pretty high in our group. But the fact that we're able to run the best team in the world, in my opinion, to the last ball of a game is pretty special," he said. "I think today was a really momentous occasion in that it was the first time we were able to face a full member."
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 69 runs, 10 less than Mandhana's belligerent match-winning innings as India retained gold.
Al Jazeera22 Sept
Fariba Hashimi fled after Taliban returned to power ‘This medal can show resilience from Afghan women’ An Afghan cyclist who disguised herself as a man to pursue her sporting dreams won an Asian Games silver medal on Tuesday, hoping it inspires other women in a country where Taliban authorities have sharply curtailed their freedoms. Fariba Hashimi, who is based in Italy, powered home second in the women’s road race near Nagoya in Japan, calling the triumph “something special”. Continue reading...
The Guardian•Agence France Presse22 Sept
Thirteen-year-old swimmer Yu Zidi continues her record-breaking exploits at the Asian Games by winning gold in the 200m individual medley.
BBC21 Sept
Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi wins the first major title of her young career – but says her performance was ‘only so-so’ The 13-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi set an Asian Games record as she scorched to gold on Sunday’s first full day of competition. The schoolgirl, who turns 14 next month, took the women’s 200m butterfly crown in a Games-record 2min 05.08sec. Continue reading...
The Guardian•Agence France-Presse21 Sept
Players celebrate podium finish that brings exemption from conscription, saying the pressure was 'out of this world'.
Al Jazeera20 Sept
It’s the world's biggest sporting event, held every four years – the 20th edition of Asian games is starting in Japan. Organisers came under pressure even before competition began… as thousands more athletes and officials registered to take part than initially expected. Story by Charlotte Lam.
NAGOYA, Japan: The 20th Asian Games open in Nagoya on Saturday, with organisers on the defensive after a string of operational gaffes and logistical problems in the buildup to the massive, multi-sport event. Five years after the Tokyo Olympics played out at empty venues due to COVID-19 restrictions, Japan will welcome fans to a glittering opening ceremony at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium from 6 p.m. (0900 GMT). The local organising committee will hope the ceremony comes off without a hitch and can deliver some positive momentum for the Games following a slew of complaints from athletes and officials involving accommodation and transport. Japan's reputation for precision and efficiency has been under scrutiny as the nation welcomes more than 11,000 athletes from 45 nations and regions competing for 369 gold medals in a whopping 43-sport programme. Instead of building a dedicated Games village, organisers have the athletes and officials staying in a mix of hotel rooms, temporary wooden containers and a cruise ship docked in the bay as a cost-cutting measure. Several national team delegations, including hosts Japan, have found the arrangements below par, complaining of mix-ups and double-bookings, while South Korea said the containers at Garden Pier were too cramped for their basketballers. General view inside the Paloma Mizuho Stadium, Nagoya, Japan ahead of the opening ceremony. (Reuters) India's powerful cricket board took matters into their own hands, arranging for the men's star-studded cricket team to stay in a separate hotel due to a tight allocation of beds from organisers. Delegations have also lamented long waits for the athletes registering on arrival and have found buses turning up late or sending their athletes to the wrong venues. The Olympic Council of Asia, which runs the quadrennial Games, acknowledged the problems on Saturday but played them down as teething difficulties. "From what I've seen, the local authorities here have been solving any issues that are happening, and I think now that everyone is settled, everything is hopefully being on track," OCA President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani told reporters. Organisers may hope the opening ceremony directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi can draw a line under the troubled buildup. Its theme, "Harmonic Heart Beat", is intended to communicate Asian solidarity at an event often riven by geopolitical tension and historic grudges. Japan's Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Blue Impulse aerobatic team performs during a demonstration flight to commemorate the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026. (Reuters) However, hopes for a peaceful Games have already been undermined by several incidents even before the event opens. Taiwan's delegation temporarily refused to participate in their welcoming ceremony on Friday after sports minister and former Olympic champion Lee Yang was blocked from attending it. The South Korean men's hockey team were upset when North Korea's national anthem was played at the stadium before a match instead of their own. While competitions for basketball, soccer and other sports have already started, the first gold medal will be won on Sunday, likely in the triathlon. A high-class swimming competition kicks off in Tokyo on Sunday, with the programme featuring China's 100 metres freestyle world record holder Pan Zhanle and 13-year-old sensation Yu Zidi. Apart from traditional Olympic sports, the Games will stage regional favourites kabaddi and sepak takraw along with quirky, modern events. Esports will award medals again after making its debut at Hangzhou, while teqball, a mix of table tennis and soccer, and "virtual taekwondo" will make their first appearance at the Games.
Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, highlighted the UAE’s growing record of achievement at the Asian Games as the country prepares for its 13th appearance at the continental sporting event. The 20th Asian Games, which open tomorrow in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, run until 4 October. More than 11,000 athletes and 6,000 coaches and officials from 45 countries will take part in 16 days of competition. His Highness Sheikh Mansoor said the achievements of Emirati athletes over the years have become part of the UAE’s sporting history and continue to inspire new generations. “Our sporting achievements are a source of pride and reflect the dedication of our athletes and the support they receive from a leadership that has provided every opportunity for them to succeed and excel,” His Highness said. The UAE made its Asian Games debut in Bangkok in 1978 and has since built a medal tally of 60 across 11 sports, comprising 12 gold, 21 silver and 27 bronze medals. The UAE delegation comprises 165 athletes – 117 men and 48 women. Picture credit: GDMO The country won its first Asian Games medal at Hiroshima 1994, when Mohammed Al Qubaisi took silver in the individual bowling competition. At Doha 2006, Her Highness Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum became the first Emirati woman to win an Asian Games medal, securing silver in karate. His Highness Sheikh Mansoor said these milestones helped establish the UAE as a consistent presence on Asian Games podiums and encouraged subsequent generations of athletes. More than half of the UAE’s 60 medals have been won at the last two editions of the Games, reflecting the improvement in the country’s competitive performance. He also highlighted the growth in women’s participation, with 48 female athletes competing at Aichi-Nagoya 2026, compared with 38 at Hangzhou 2022. The UAE delegation comprises 165 athletes – 117 men and 48 women – competing in athletics, swimming, taekwondo, padel, football, esports, equestrian, cycling, archery, rowing, sailing, fencing, golf, shooting, judo, modern pentathlon, triathlon, jiu-jitsu, rugby and weightlifting. The equestrian team will compete in show jumping and dressage. The UAE made its Asian Games debut in Bangkok in 1978 and has since built a medal tally of 60 across 11 sports, comprising 12 gold, 21 silver and 27 bronze medals. Picture credit: GDMO The UAE will make its Asian Games debut in modern pentathlon and padel. The rugby sevens team has been drawn alongside Sri Lanka, Singapore and the Philippines. The UAE football team has already begun its campaign, losing 3-1 to Iran in Group B, which also includes China and North Korea. Aichi-Nagoya 2026 features 43 sports and 71 disciplines, with 1,407 medals to be awarded across 469 events. It is the world’s second-largest multi-sport event after the Summer Olympic Games. The opening ceremony will be held at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium under the slogan ‘Imagine One Asia’. This is the third time Japan has hosted the Asian Games, following Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994.
Organisers have apologised for playing the North Korean national anthem for the South Korean men's hockey team at the Asian Games in Japan.
BBC18 Sept
Asian Games organisers in Japan accidently play North Korea's anthem ahead of South's hockey match with Bangladesh.
Al Jazeera18 Sept
India coach Gautam Gambhir said Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to wait for his chance to break into the side after he left the 15-year-old prodigy on the sidelines of their three-match Twenty20 series sweep against Afghanistan. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson opened for India in the series, with Abhishek scoring the third-fastest century in T20 internationals in Thursday's 127-run victory in New Delhi. Sooryavanshi, who was the highest scorer in this year's Indian Premier League, made his international debut against England in July but the top-order batter failed to make an impact as the hosts dominated India in the T20 series. He scored two fifties against Zimbabwe in Harare later that month but has not played for India since. "Whether you’re a 15-year-old or a 30-year-old, when you have to wait for your opportunity you have to wait for your opportunity," Gambhir told reporters after the match. "We know the kind of talent he has and what he can do, but someone who has been performing for the last two to three years will always be ahead of someone who has just entered the team." Sooryavanshi will travel to Nagoya for India's Asian Games campaign, with a one-off T20 against hosts Japan set for Tuesday before the Asiad quarter-final on September 28. "Whenever he gets his run, he will get a longer run as well ... we want competition and talent in the dressing room," Gambhir added.
National lawmakers propose paying her fine should WTA impose it on her for skipping the concurrent mandatory China Open.
Al Jazeera16 Sept
Pathirage's javelins, which he used to throw world-best distance, were broken on his flight back from Budapest.
Al Jazeera16 Sept