Pincky Balhara Wins Bronze Medal at Asian Games 2026 in Kurash
India's Pincky Balhara made history at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, clinching a bronze medal in the Women's 78kg Kurash event on September 28, 2026. Losing 0-5 in the semi-final to South Korea's Sumin Mo, Balhara secured her second Asian Games medal in Kurash, a unique achievement for an Indian athlete.
Pincky Balhara, India’s acclaimed Kurash athlete, demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience today, September 28, 2026, to earn a bronze medal in the Women’s 78kg event at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The 27-year-old judoka and Kurash specialist’s performance at the Aichi Prefectural Martial Arts Hall solidified her standing as a top contender in the sport. Esha Singh Wins Silver Medal at Asian Games 2026 in Women's 25m Pistol.
Balhara's journey to the podium culminated after a hard-fought semi-final bout where she faced South Korea’s Sumin Mo. Though Balhara ultimately fell short, losing 0-5 to Mo, her advancement to the semi-final stage automatically secured her the bronze medal, a testament to her enduring prowess.
Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Debut for Kurash Phenom
The Kurash competition at the Aichi-Nagoya Games is being held from September 27 to 29, 2026, at the Aichi Prefectural Martial Arts Hall. Pincky Balhara’s medal adds significantly to India’s tally at the ongoing continental multi-sport event, which commenced on September 19 and runs until October 4. The Games are being hosted across Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan.
Pincky Balhara's Illustrious Career
Born on October 20, 1998, Pincky Balhara has consistently been a formidable force in both Kurash and Judo. Her bronze medal in Nagoya follows a remarkable silver medal win in the Women's 52kg Kurash event at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. This achievement makes her the only Indian athlete to clinch two medals in Kurash at the Asian Games, further cementing her legacy.
Her international medal haul also includes a bronze from the 2016 Asian Beach Games in Da Nang, where she competed in the 52kg category. Beyond Kurash, Balhara has also found success in Judo, securing a gold medal in the Junior Asian Championships. India at Asian Games 2026: Day 10 Full Schedule of Indian Athletes in Action Today on September 28.
Career Highlights
- 2026 Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya: Bronze Medal, Women's 78kg Kurash
- 2018 Asian Games, Jakarta: Silver Medal, Women's 52kg Kurash
- 2016 Asian Beach Games, Da Nang: Bronze Medal, Women's 52kg Kurash
- Junior Asian Championships: Gold Medal, Judo (52kg)
Pincky Balhara's consistent performance on the international stage continues to inspire, showcasing India's growing strength in the traditional martial art of Kurash. Her dedication and hard work have once again brought glory to the nation at Asia's premier sporting event.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 28, 2026 11:58 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).