–by Pratyusha Mukherjee, Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
India continued their unbeaten campaign at the 2026 Asian Games with a dominant 63–31 victory over the Republic of Korea in their second Group A match at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium on Tuesday.
Led by captain Sunil Kumar, India seized control from the opening exchanges and maintained their authority throughout the contest. The Indian raiders produced a clinical display, collecting 38 out points compared with Korea’s 23, while the defence consistently disrupted the opposition’s attacking moves with timely tackles.
India established a commanding 34–14 lead by half-time. Their advantage was built on 23 out points and seven bonus points in the opening half, while two All-Outs further strengthened their position. Korea struggled to penetrate India’s defensive structure, managing only 10 touch points before the interval.
The second half brought little change to the pattern of the contest. Korea showed greater resistance after the restart, but India remained firmly in control. The defending champions added 29 more points, including another All-Out, and finished the match with 17 bonus points.
Korea managed 17 points in the second half but could not reduce the substantial deficit as India continued to dictate the tempo until the final whistle.
The victory gives India two wins from two Group A matches after their opening triumph over hosts Japan. The result keeps the defending champions on course for a strong finish at the top of the group.
India will return to action on September 23 when they face Bangladesh, as they continue their campaign for a ninth Asian Games gold medal in the last 10 editions.
