By Meera Regmi
OCA Young Reporter from Bhutan
Nagoya, Japan, September 22, 2026:India opened their gold medal account at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with a strong 147-run victory over Sri Lanka, who were bowled out for 69. The victory successfully continued India’s title-winning run after the gold medal they won at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2022.
At the centre of the heat and cheers of victory was captain Harmanpreet Kaur, whose perspective after the match reflected the powerful and inspiring journey of Team India towards the much-awaited gold.
After winning the title at Hangzhou 2022, Kaur expressed her familiar feeling of taking home the gold, especially when she knows that the entire country is watching and rooting for the team, hoping to welcome them home with another gold medal.
“Our entire country is watching us. Everyone from India was following and waiting for the gold. We are so happy we were able to do that. Now we hope and wish for many more. More medals are coming,"expressed Kaur.
She said that when she realised they were very close to winning the game, she felt excited and expressed her appreciation towards her team and the staff for working hand in hand towards the gold in the final moments.
“We have been working hard, and everything worked out well in the end. All our batters and bowlers did really well for the team,”expressed Kaur.
Kaur also expressed her deep love for cricket and acknowledged her team for making great efforts and collaborating to make every match enjoyable and memorable.
“I love this sport. I feel that this is the only thing I know. I just want to continue playing, and when you have a great team and a great atmosphere, you want to be part of it. We want to enjoy each and every moment of cricket,”said Kaur.
As a professional and full-time cricketer, Kaur spoke about how most of her life has been spent on the field, calling it the “best part of my life.” From dream to reality, Kaur has expressed her deep love and passion for cricket, which has now led her and her team to the gold.
“As a full-time cricketer, we are always on the field, and this is something I have always wanted to do. I am really happy that this is what I know, and I will always want to be on the field,"conveyed Kaur.
After winning the gold for her country, Kaur’s response to the victory and the medal reflected the pride, responsibility and emotions that come with wearing the Indian jersey.
"Representing my country means everything to me. This is what I have been dreaming of and what I wanted to achieve in my life. I wanted to represent my country in cricket, and I am glad that I got that opportunity. To be part of the Asian Games and win the gold, we know the feeling of it. Hats off to the team!"said Kaur.