India to Face Pakistan in Asian Games Cricket Final as Gold Defenders

India will meet Pakistan in the men's cricket final on October 3, aiming to retain the Asian Games gold medal. The match caps Day 15 of the 2026 Asian Games. India's recurve archers return to action, with Kumkum Anil Mohod set for the women's quarter‑final at 5:30 IST against South Korea's Chaeyoung Kang. In women's golf, Aditi Ashok, Diksha Dagar and Pranavi Sharath Urs start their team round at 2:40 IST, and each will also contest individual stroke‑play later that morning. The men's golf team of Yuvraj Sandhu, Veer Ahlawat and Saptak Talwar begins their round at 4:45 IST. In taekwondo, Kashish Malik will fight Yujin Kim of South Korea in the women’s -57 kg round of 16 at 5:42 IST. The Indian men’s hockey side also seeks to defend its gold, facing Malaysia in the final. All three marquee contests are scheduled for the same afternoon.## Context Cricket and hockey are India’s biggest medal hopes at the Games, and both pit them against long‑standing rivals. Defending a gold adds extra pressure on the Indian squads.