Asian Games 2026: Kongan, Bhadra and Bolland Reach Sprint Finals

India strengthened its presence in the women’s sprint and hurdles events at the Asian Games 2026 as Nandhini Kongan qualified for the 100m hurdles final, while Harita Bhadra and Unnathi Bolland advanced to the women’s 200m final.

Kongan finished fourth in Heat 2 of the women’s 100m hurdles, clocking 13.48 seconds to secure a ‘q’ qualification for the final. Japan’s Mako Fukube won the heat in 12.85 seconds, followed by China’s Yanni Wu in 13.18 and Indonesia’s Dina Aulia in 13.39.

Kongan’s qualification came after compatriot Jyothi Yarraji did not start her heat, leaving India with one representative in the event’s final.

Bhadra, Bolland advance in women’s 200m at Asian Games

Harita Bhadra made a strong start to her Asian Games campaign, finishing second in her 200m heat in 23.31 seconds to secure automatic qualification for the final.

Bhadra recorded the same time as Singapore’s Veronica Shanti Pereira, who finished ahead of the Indian in the heat.

Unnathi Bolland also secured her place in the final after finishing third in her heat with a time of 23.33 seconds. Both Bhadra and Bolland will line up in the women’s 200m final on Sunday.

India has already added to its medal tally at the Games, with the men’s kabaddi team defeating Iran 40-34 to win gold. India trailed 17-18 at half-time before producing a dominant second-half performance to turn the contest around.