India settles for bronze in men’s sepaktakraw after losing 0-2 to hosts Japan in the quadrant semifinal at the Asian Games 2026. Multiple outlets report the defeat came in straight sets, with Japan winning 12-15 and 13-15. The Indian team’s run ends in the semifinal, but they still secure a podium finish.

The bronze is described as historic for India in the event. Ahead of the semifinal, India completes an unbeaten men’s group stage campaign, topping Group A. Sources add that India wins against Laos (2-0), Vietnam (2-0), and Myanmar (2-1). Japan is also linked to a Group B finish, reported as second, after starting with a 1-2 loss to Indonesia, then defeating Singapore and Korea to reach the last four. The outlets’ emphasis differs mainly in wording—NDTV highlights the shift from an unbeaten group phase to a semifinal setback, while Free Press Journal includes specific set scores and notes the medal as India’s first in the discipline.