India and Sri Lanka faced off in the women's T20 cricket final at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, with India emerging victorious to claim the gold medal.

The match, held at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, saw the two familiar rivals battle for continental supremacy. This encounter was a repeat of the 2022 Asian Games final, where India also clinched the gold medal against Sri Lanka.

Both teams possess a strong recent history, having met just nine days prior in the ACC Women’s Asia Cup final in Dubai. In that contest, India secured a dominant 72-run victory to win their record-extending eighth Asia Cup title.

The win marks another significant achievement for the Indian women's cricket team on the international stage. The Asian Games gold medal adds to their growing collection of accolades in the sport.

Cricket's inclusion in the Asian Games has seen fluctuating participation from India. The sport was introduced in 2010, but India did not send teams in 2010 and 2014, citing calendar clashes. This decision drew criticism from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), with then-president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah stating it was "killing" the sport and limiting its reach.

In their 2022 Asian Games gold medal victory, India fielded a strong squad led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Key players like Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues contributed significantly with the bat, while bowlers Titas Sadhu and Rajeshwari Gayakwad were instrumental in securing the win.

India's stance on cricket's inclusion in multi-sport events, including past opposition to its presence at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, has sometimes placed them at odds with other cricketing nations and players who advocate for broader global development of the sport.

As the 2026 Asian Games conclude, the focus shifts to future tournaments, with the performance of both India and Sri Lanka likely to be closely watched by fans and administrators alike.