‘It’s a Surreal Feeling’: Amol Muzumdar Opens Up After India’s Asian Games Gold, Eyes LA Olympics | Exclusive

India's women's cricket team opened the country's gold-medal account at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in emphatic fashion, defeating Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final on Tuesday.

Harmanpreet Kaur's side posted 216/3 before bowling Sri Lanka out for just 69, retaining the gold medal they had won at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.

For head coach Amol Muzumdar, the triumph carried a deeply personal significance. Speaking exclusively with MyKhel after the historic victory, Muzumdar described the moment as "a surreal feeling" and recalled how his fascination with the Asian Games began during his childhood.

"It's a surreal feeling, as I said. Getting gold, it's a dream. We've been following Asian Games since my childhood. The first memory of Asian Games for me was the 1992 Asian Games in Delhi.

"So, you know, it's all way back. And now when I'm here in Japan and winning the gold, it seems absolutely unbelievable. I'm really proud of it."

The gold comes after a remarkable run for the Indian women's team under Muzumdar. India had also won the 2026 Women's Asia Cup earlier this month, beating Sri Lanka in the final to claim a record-extending eighth continental title.

The Goal is Set

Asked about his next target after winning the ODI World Cup and now an Asian Games gold as coach, Muzumdar pointed towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

"Look, I mean, every tournament has got its own significance. We march ahead. As I said, Asian Games could be a sort of a dress rehearsal for what's to come in a couple of years' time.

"LA Olympics should be India's goal. And I think we are up and running towards it. I guess that should be the ultimate goal."

Muzumdar also reflected on his nearly three-year journey with the team and praised the players for their commitment and work ethic.

"You know, it's been almost three years for me with this side. And, you know, these girls have been fantastic. They're great role models, they're great ambassadors for the sport. And, you know, I think it's been a fabulous journey so far. They've worked really hard."

The coach highlighted the preparation that went into the team's recent successes, particularly the demanding camp ahead of the Asia Cup in Dubai.

"Every time we've played, before any tournament, we happen to have camps and they work extremely hard. You have no idea how much hard work they've put in before we went to Asia Cup in Dubai, where the conditions were gruelling. But at the same time, we were really happy and proud of this team."

Amol Muzumdar hails India duo

Muzumdar also reserved praise for the team's two senior pillars, captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, calling them role models for the next generation.

"I think, you know, they're great, as I said, they're great role models for the youngsters, for any youngster. The next generation would follow both of them. Harman has been a fantastic leader. Smriti has been a superb senior player in the team and they continue to do that. Great role models and superb ambassadors for the sport."