Tokyo, 16 September (H.S.):

Fresh from winning the T20 Asia Cup title, the Indian women’s cricket team has arrived in Japan for its campaign at the 2026 Asian Games. The defending champions will be looking to retain the gold medal they won at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Head coach Amol Muzumdar said the team was excited to experience the atmosphere of a multi-sport event.

After arriving in Japan, Muzumdar said, “The team is excited about the Asian Games and is ready to enjoy the atmosphere of a multi-sport event.”

Muzumdar arrived in Japan on a morning flight along with some members of his support staff. A few players, including Shree Charani and Kranti Gaud, also reached Japan with the coaching staff, while the remaining members of the squad were scheduled to arrive later in the day.

Muzumdar said living alongside athletes from different sports, spending time in the Games Village and representing the country on a multi-sport platform would be a unique experience for the players. He said, “The atmosphere of a multi-sport event is something the team is eagerly looking forward to. We want the players to enjoy this experience as well.” He also said the team had no issues with its accommodation.

Indian Team to Enter Tournament in Strong Form

The Indian team will enter the competition in impressive form, with Shree Charani playing an important role with the ball in recent matches. The 22-year-old left-arm spinner produced an impressive performance at the T20 Asia Cup, taking 12 wickets.

With a consistent run of strong performances, Shree Charani has also surpassed the milestone of 50 wickets in T20 internationals in just 30 matches. India will have high expectations of her form during the Asian Games.

India will begin its campaign on September 18 with a quarter-final against hosts Japan. The match will be played at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.

Only eight teams are participating in the women’s cricket competition at the Asian Games, with the tournament beginning directly at the quarter-final stage. As a result, India will have limited opportunities to find its rhythm before entering the knockout phase.

India won the gold medal in women’s cricket at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou and will now take the field with the aim of defending its title.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar