Day 2 of the Asian Youth Games promises to be an action-filled one for Team India, with young athletes set to compete across three sports Kabaddi, Handball, and Kurash.
The day unfolds with team events in the afternoon and transitions into intense one-on-one combat sports in the evening, with medal hopes riding on several promising names. The day begins with India’s Kabaddi and Handball squads stepping into group-stage contests, setting the tone for the nation’s campaign.
At 3:00 PM (IST), the Indian boys’ Kabaddi team faces Sri Lanka in a crucial Group A match. The opening fixture carries significance as it sets the momentum for the side, which has traditionally been a powerhouse in the sport. The boys will aim to start strong, combining tactical agility with quick raids to assert dominance early in the tournament.
Shortly after, at 4:00 PM (IST), the spotlight shifts to the Indian girls’ handball team, who will meet Uzbekistan in their Group A encounter. This match marks a key test for the Indian side, as Uzbekistan has shown steady improvement in youth-level competitions. With speed and cohesion being India’s strengths, a solid start here could help them establish control over the group standings.
By 4:15 PM (IST), the Indian girls’ Kabaddi team enters the fray against Sri Lanka. Just like their male counterparts, the girls’ team will look to kick off with an assertive win. Known for their defensive solidity and tactical discipline, the Indian team’s focus will be on maintaining composure while executing quick counter-raids.
Evening Session: India’s Kurash Hopefuls Step onto the Mat
The evening segment transitions to Kurash, the Central Asian martial art making waves on the youth stage. All eyes will be on Bidhuri Kanishka and Arvind, India’s representatives in the girls’ 52 kg and boys’ 83 kg categories respectively.
Kanishka Bidhuri’s Marathon in the 52 kg Category
Kanishka’s journey begins at 7:00 PM (IST) when she faces Zhibek Tobokelova of Kyrgyzstan in the Round of 16. A win here would set her up for a quick turnaround, as her quarterfinal against Waratchaya Khundee of Thailand is scheduled for 7:12 PM (IST). Khundee, who already advanced to the quarters after her earlier round victory, will pose a stiff challenge. However, Kanishka’s explosive throws and strong grip-fighting style could help her counter the Thai’s agility on the mat.
If Kanishka advances further, she will compete in the semifinal at 8:00 PM (IST) and possibly in the final at 8:30 PM (IST). It will be a demanding schedule four potential bouts within less than two hours — testing both her endurance and tactical awareness.
The 52 kg draw also features strong competitors like Deswita Maharani Putri (Indonesia) and Setayesh Jalaleddin (Iran) in the lower half, setting up a potential semifinal clash between South and West Asian styles of Kurash.
Arvind Leads India’s Charge in the Boys’ 83 kg Division: For India’s Arvind, the Kurash mat beckons at 7:42 PM (IST) with a quarterfinal bout against Hilol Davlatzoda of Tajikistan. Arvind will need to stay sharp against the experienced Tajik, known for his upper-body control and quick foot sweeps. The draw indicates that the winner of this bout could potentially face Shohjahon Golibov of Uzbekistan, a formidable contender who received a direct passage to the semifinals after topping the upper bracket.
Should Arvind triumph, he’ll proceed to the semifinal at 8:12 PM (IST) and potentially the final at 8:24 PM (IST). The 83 kg field also features names like Nurbolot Kanybekov (Kyrgyzstan) and Mehrab Mokarrami (Iran), both of whom bring technical depth and experience from continental circuits. Arvind’s strength lies in his controlled aggression combining powerful hip throws with calm defensive counters. A win today could mark a breakthrough moment for Indian Kurash on the youth international stage.
As the day winds down, India’s Kabaddi teams will be back in action for their second set of group fixtures.
At 11:00 PM (IST), the boys’ team faces arch-rivals Pakistan, a fixture that always draws heightened anticipation. Both sides have a rich rivalry in Kabaddi, and this Group A contest could potentially decide semifinal berths. Expect intensity, crowd engagement, and no shortage of tactical duels between raiders and defenders.
Fifteen minutes later, at 11:15 PM (IST), the girls’ team squares off against Iran. Known for their physicality and discipline, the Iranian side will be a stern challenge. For the Indian team, maintaining consistency across two matches in one day will be crucial. Rotational depth and fitness management could prove decisive in ensuring a strong finish to the group stage.
From afternoon team contests to late-evening individual battles, Day 2 of the Asian Youth Games 2025 is a microcosm of India’s growing sporting diversity. The day offers opportunities across team dynamics and individual determination Handball’s strategic play, Kabaddi’s explosive pace, and Kurash’s blend of strength and technique. With several medal hopes hinging on performances today, India’s young athletes have a chance to make their mark on the continental stage — showing not just skill but resilience and pride in the tricolour.
Summary of Key Events (All Times in IST):
•15:00 – Kabaddi Boys vs Sri Lanka
•16:00 – Handball Girls vs Uzbekistan
•16:15 – Kabaddi Girls vs Sri Lanka
•19:00 – Kurash: Kanishka vs Zhibek (R16)
•19:42 – Kurash: Arvind vs Hilol (QF)
•23:00 – Kabaddi Boys vs Pakistan
•23:15 – Kabaddi Girls vs Iran
Day 2 of the Asian Youth Games 2025 is set to be a test of endurance, skill, and spirit for India’s youth contingent — a day that could well define the tone of the nation’s campaign in Tashkent.
