No handshakes and a delayed ceremony as India beat Pakistan at Asian Games
India defeated Pakistan to win the gold medal in cricket at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. The match was marked by political tension, with both teams refusing to shake hands before or after the game, and a delayed medal ceremony.
Why it matters
The incident underscores how deep-seated geopolitical conflicts between India and Pakistan continue to influence international sporting events.
India beat Pakistan by 19 runs in gold medal match at Asian Games with Hasan Nawaz’s 96 in vain in reply to 211-6.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Gold medallists India stand on the podium as they receive medals from ICC chief Jay Shah during the victory ceremony for the men's cricket in the 2026 Asian Games [Andrew Caballero/AFP] By Kevin Hand and AFP Published On 3 Oct 2026 3 Oct 2026 India have beaten their fierce rivals Pakistan by 19 runs to win Asian Games cricket gold after a pulsating final in front of a small but raucous crowd in Nagoya, Japan.
World T20 champions India posted 211-6 in their 20 overs on Saturday, with Abhishek Sharma scoring 61 and Tilak Varma 51 not out, before Hasan Nawaz’s valiant 96 saw Pakistan come up just short at 192-6.
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