India Opens Its Medal Account — In a Debut Sport
India's wait for Asian Games 2026 medals ended on September 20 in Nagoya with a double from Quimcy Joaquim Dsouza in teqball — a sport making its Asian Games debut. Dsouza won bronze in both the Women's Singles and the Mixed Doubles (with Mohamed Anas Imran Beg), making her India's standout performer of the Games' opening two days.
Women's Singles Bronze
After losing her Day 1 semifinal to Indonesia's Sumaya (1–2, winning first set 12–7), Dsouza regrouped for the bronze medal match against Cambodia's Koemyean Dy on September 20. She dominated — winning clearly to claim India's first-ever teqball medal at the Asian Games.
Mixed Doubles Bronze
Dsouza then partnered Mohamed Anas Imran Beg in the Mixed Doubles bronze match. The Indian pair — which had fought back through the repechage after losing their quarterfinal to Vietnam — converted the opportunity, adding a second bronze for India from teqball on the same day.
Who Is Quimcy Dsouza?
A 24-year-old athlete from Goa with a football background, Dsouza took up teqball competitively and has represented India at World Championships. She trains under the Sports Authority of India's TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) framework. Her double bronze in Nagoya makes her a breakout name of Asian Games 2026.
India's Medal Tally After Day 2
| Sport | Athlete(s) | Medal |
|---|---|---|
| Teqball Women's Singles | Quimcy Dsouza | 🥉 Bronze |
| Teqball Mixed Doubles | Dsouza + Beg | 🥉 Bronze |
Key Takeaways
- Quimcy Dsouza wins two bronze medals — India's first at Asian Games 2026.
- First-ever Indian teqball medals at the Asian Games — a historic debut.
- India's tally: 0 Gold, 0 Silver, 2 Bronze after Day 2.
- Shooting, badminton, wrestling medal events begin from Day 3 onwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is teqball?
A sport combining football kicking technique with table-tennis-style rallying on a curved table. It made its Asian Games debut at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Games.
Who is Quimcy Dsouza?
A 24-year-old teqball player from Goa, trained under SAI's TOPS scheme, who won two bronze medals at Asian Games 2026.
Conclusion
Teqball arrived at the Asian Games and India arrived in teqball — on the same day. Dsouza's double bronze is exactly the kind of breakthrough that inspires the next generation. The medal count is off the mark. Watch for it to build over the next fortnight.
