September 23 Sports Bulletin: India's Asian Games Gold, Japan Scare, IFA Shield & ISL Broadcast Update

India's sporting landscape delivered plenty of talking points. The women's cricket team opened India's Asian Games 2026 gold-medal account with a dominant win over Sri Lanka, while Roshibina Devi assured another wushu medal.

Check out the top stories from the world of sports in the Bulletin for September 23.

1. India Women Create History With Asian Games Gold

India's women's cricket team opened the country's gold-medal account at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with a commanding 147-run victory over Sri Lanka. India posted 216/3, powered by Smriti Mandhana's 79 off 45 balls, Shafali Verma's 48 and Richa Ghosh's unbeaten 49 off 22. Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 69, with India's bowlers completing a comprehensive victory. Mandhana also became the first woman cricketer to reach 11,000 international runs.

2. 'It's a Surreal Feeling': Amol Muzumdar Eyes LA Olympics

India women's head coach Amol Muzumdar described the Asian Games gold as a "surreal feeling" after India successfully defended its title. Speaking exclusively to MyKhel, Muzumdar reflected on his childhood memories of the Asian Games and praised the team's hard work over nearly three years. He also identified the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as India's ultimate goal, describing the Asian Games as a possible dress rehearsal for what lies ahead.

3. Roshibina Devi Assures Third Straight Asian Games Medal

Indian wushu star Roshibina Devi has assured herself a medal at a third successive Asian Games. The Manipuri athlete defeated Macao's Chu Man Sin 5-0 in the women's 60kg Sanda quarter-final to book her place in the semi-finals at Aichi-Nagoya. Roshibina won bronze at Jakarta-Palembang 2018 and silver at Hangzhou 2022. Her latest result guarantees another medal and extends one of India's most consistent Asian Games runs in wushu.

4. DPL Fixing Row: DDCA Reports Corrupt Approach to BCCI

The Delhi Premier League has been hit by a corruption controversy following allegations emerging from a sting operation. Former Ranji player Rachit Bhatia was reported to have claimed access to playing-XI information and alleged involvement in fixing. Separately, Central Delhi Kings wicketkeeper-batter Vansh Bedi reportedly reported a corrupt approach to the Anti-Corruption Wing. The DDCA has written to the BCCI, while stressing that allegations from the sting operation remain unverified and should not be treated as established facts.

5. India Survive Japan Scare in Rain-Hit T20I

India narrowly avoided a major upset against Japan, winning the rain-shortened historic T20I by just two runs at the Sano International Cricket Ground. India managed only 32/4 in their five overs before Japan came agonisingly close in the chase, finishing on 30/3. Japan's 17-year-old spinner Charlie Hara-Hinze impressed with 2/17, while India's experienced spinners held their nerve in the final stages.

6. IFA Shield: Mohun Bagan Begin Title Defence Against Sreenidi

The 126th IFA Shield continues on September 23 with reigning champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant beginning their campaign against Sreenidi Deccan FC. The Group 2 encounter is scheduled at the Mohun Bagan AC/CFC ground. The group also features NorthEast United FC, with Mohun Bagan scheduled to face them later in the group stage. The tournament's group phase began on September 22, with East Bengal, Mohammedan SC and Punjab FC forming Group 1.

7. Badminton Exit, Table Tennis Progress at Asian Games

India's women's badminton team bowed out of the Asian Games after a 1-3 quarter-final defeat to hosts Japan. PV Sindhu lost to Akane Yamaguchi after taking the opening game, while Unnati Hooda and Tanvi Sharma also went down. Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand provided India's only win. In table tennis, however, India defeated Thailand 3-2 to reach the women's team quarter-finals, with Sreeja Akula, Yashaswini Ghorpade, Diya Chitale, Sutirtha Mukherjee and Syndrela Das contributing.

8. ISL Broadcast Picture Clears: Zee TV, YouTube in Line

The broadcast uncertainty surrounding the 2026-27 Indian Super League is nearing an end. Reports indicate that Zee is set to take the linear television rights, while YouTube has emerged as the preferred platform for digital streaming. Discussions are reportedly at an advanced stage, with agreements expected shortly. The broadcast uncertainty has also contributed to delays around the ISL season, which is now expected to begin later than its originally planned September start.

9. India Women's Team secure Bronze in Skeet

India's women's skeet trio of Raiza Dhillon, Maheshwari Chauhan and Parinaaz Dhaliwal secured the bronze medal in the team event at the Asian Games 2026. India finished third with 266 points, behind China and Kazakhstan. The team had stayed in bronze position through the competition, with the trio combining their qualification scores to seal India's shooting medal.