Asian Games 2026: Karnataka athletes return with a haul of four gold, three silver and two bronze medals
A strong Karnataka contingent capped off the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi–Nagoya, Japan, with a tally of nine medals — four gold, three silver and two bronze — as the continental event concluded on Sunday. The performance marks a step up from the State’s contribution in the previous edition in Hangzhou, China, in 2022.
Medal haul and standout performances
Karnataka’s four gold medals came through a mix of team and individual brilliance across cricket, hockey, athletics and golf. Golfer Pranavi Urs clinched the women’s individual title, underlining her rise on the continental stage. Veteran quarter-miler M.R. Poovamma was part of India’s victorious women’s 4x400m relay squad, while H.S. Mohith contributed to India’s gold-winning men’s hockey campaign. In women’s cricket, off-spinner Shreyanka Patil was among the key performers; she took two wickets in the final against Sri Lanka as India secured the title.
Silver success across golf, relays and shooting
Two of Karnataka’s gold medallists added to their individual tallies with silver medals. Poovamma also featured in India’s 4x400m mixed relay squad that finished second, and Pranavi joined fellow Bengalurean Aditi Ashok on the podium as part of the women’s golf team that took silver. Aditi, who had been the individual runner-up in Hangzhou in 2022, played a pivotal role in the team’s podium finish.
Shooter Tilottama Sen delivered another silver for the State in the women’s 50m rifle three positions event, maintaining Karnataka’s steady presence in precision sports.
Bronze breakthrough
Karnataka also opened its bronze medal account this time, improving on the absence of third-place finishes from the 2022 Games. Shuttler Ayush Shetty was part of India’s men’s team that clinched bronze in badminton. On the track, S.S. Sneha figured in India’s 4x100m mixed relay squad that secured a bronze, adding another sprinting honour for the State.
Improved showing over Hangzhou 2022
The four gold medals in Aichi–Nagoya represent an uptick from the three golds Karnataka athletes contributed in Hangzhou. While the silver count dipped marginally from four in 2022 to three in 2026, the addition of two bronzes this year reflects a broader base of podium finishes. Overall, the State’s athletes improved their medal profile, both in quality at the top tier and in depth across disciplines.
State government plans felicitation
The Karnataka government is preparing to felicitate the Asian Games medallists later this week. According to sources close to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, the medal winners are likely to be invited by the Chief Minister for an official reception and honoured on behalf of the State government.
Significance
Karnataka’s stronger return from Aichi–Nagoya underscores the State’s expanding footprint in India’s multi-sport success, spanning established disciplines like athletics and hockey as well as golf, shooting, badminton and cricket. With multiple athletes contributing across individual and team events, the 2026 campaign offers momentum for future international competitions and a platform for the State to deepen its support for high-performance sport.
