Indian all-rounder Axar Patel described winning an Asian Games gold medal as a unique achievement superior to winning a World Cup. Speaking after India’s 124-run semi-final win over Sri Lanka, Axar shared his experience living in the Games Village in Nagoya, Japan. He dispelled food concerns by highlighting local Indian restaurants supplying meals to the squad. Looking ahead to Saturday’s gold medal match against Pakistan, Axar expressed confidence that Shreyas Iyer’s side possesses the form required to finish on top of the podium.
Axar noted that wearing the official athlete identification card brought a distinct sense of pride, distinguishing multi-sport events from standard international cricket tours.
Addressing off-field logistics, Axar reassured fans that the Indian squad faced no dietary issues in Japan. The team relied on daily deliveries from three to four local Indian restaurants operating near the venue. (Asian games 2026 cricket)
Axar also commended the Japanese organizers for maintaining international-standard pitches despite cricket being a developing sport in the country. He noted that the dry, cracked surfaces provided significant turn, drift, and bounce, which aided India’s defense of 169 runs in the semi-final.
Axar Patel rate an Asian Games gold medal over a World Cup:
Looking ahead to Saturday’s final against arch-rivals Pakistan, Axar remained confident in India’s preparations under captain Shreyas Iyer. Having evaluated pitch conditions across previous matches, the squad expects similar spin-friendly conditions regardless of the specific strip assigned for the summit clash. Axar emphasized that the team’s dominant form across all departments makes them strong favorites to claim the gold medal for India.
Axar Patel stated that representing the country in a multi-sport continental event and winning a gold medal directly for the nation offers a unique pride beyond traditional BCCI-run tournaments. Axar confirmed that Indian players were enjoying meals delivered from local Indian restaurants and commended Japanese organizers for preparing competitive, spin-friendly pitches.
