India women's cricket team launches Asian Games campaign against Japan

India's women's cricket team will kick off their Asian Games campaign on September 18, 2026, with a match against Japan at the continental sporting extravaganza. The squad, under the captaincy of Harmanpreet Kaur, will look to make a strong impression in the early stages of the tournament as they vie for glory on the regional stage.

The fixture against Japan marks the beginning of what is expected to be a demanding schedule for the Indian contingent. The women's cricket team has been identified as a key medal prospect for India at the Games, with hopes riding on their performance throughout the tournament.

Harmanpreet Kaur has established herself as a formidable leader of the Indian women's cricket unit, and her captaincy will be crucial as the team navigates the challenges posed by other competitive sides in the Asian Games format. The opening match against Japan will serve as an important opportunity for India to establish momentum early in the competition.

The inclusion of women's cricket at the Asian Games underscores the growing prominence of the sport across Asia, with participating nations bringing their strongest contingents to the tournament. India's participation reflects the country's commitment to advancing women's cricket on the continental platform.