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India continued its impressive medal-winning run at the Asian Games 2026 as Kurash athlete Pinky Balhara secured a bronze medal in the women’s 78kg category. Although she missed out on a place in the gold medal match after losing her semifinal, Pinky achieved a major milestone by becoming the first Indian woman to win two Asian Games medals in Kurash.
Pinky was defeated 0-5 by South Korea’s Sumin Mo in the semifinal. Her place on the podium was already assured after reaching the last four, allowing her to finish the competition with a bronze medal.
Pinky Balhara Becomes First Indian Woman With Two Asian Games Kurash Medals
The Asian Games 2026 bronze is Pinky Balhara’s second medal at the continental event.
Her first Asian Games medal came at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, where she competed in the women’s 52kg category. Eight years later, she returned to the podium in the 78kg division.
With medals from two different Asian Games editions, Pinky has now entered the record books as the first Indian woman to win two Asian Games medals in Kurash.
Pinky Balhara’s Road to the Asian Games 2026 Bronze Medal
Pinky received a bye in the pre-quarterfinal round and advanced directly to the quarterfinal stage.
She then faced Garam Lin in the quarterfinal and produced a strong performance to register a 3-0 victory. The win booked her place in the semifinal and guaranteed India another medal in the Kurash event.
Pinky needed one more victory to reach the gold medal contest, but South Korea’s Sumin Mo ended her run with a 0-5 semifinal victory.
Knee Injury Hampers Pinky Balhara in Kurash Semifinal
After the semifinal, Pinky revealed that she had suffered a right knee injury during her quarterfinal match.
Despite the injury, she continued competing in the event. According to Pinky, her semifinal opponent was aware of the problem and repeatedly targeted the injured area during the bout.
The Indian athlete said she tried to maintain an attacking approach but found it difficult because of the knee problem. The contest eventually went in favour of her opponent on penalties.
Pinky also explained that the Asian Championship in Uzbekistan in May was only her second competition in the 78kg category.
Who Is Pinky Balhara? The Indian Kurash Star’s Journey
Pinky Balhara hails from Neb Sarai in Delhi and began her Kurash training at a very young age.
She started practising the sport when she was just nine years old. Pinky trains at the Baba Ganga Nath Judo and Kurash Academy in Munirka, which is run by her maternal uncle and renowned coach Samundar Tokas.
Years of training and competing at different levels have helped Pinky establish herself as one of India’s notable Kurash athletes.
Pinky Started Kurash at 9: Her Journey to Two Asian Games Medals
Pinky’s journey from beginning Kurash at nine to winning two Asian Games medals is a significant achievement.
Her first Asian Games medal came in the 52kg category at Jakarta 2018. She later moved into the 78kg division and continued competing at the international level.
Her latest bronze at the Asian Games 2026 has now added another major achievement to her career and made her the first Indian woman with two Asian Games Kurash medals.
Pinky Balhara’s Asian Games Medals: 52kg in 2018 to 78kg in 2026
- 2018 Asian Games: Medal in the women’s 52kg category
- 2026 Asian Games: Bronze medal in the women’s 78kg category
- Historic record: First Indian woman to win two Asian Games medals in Kurash
Her latest performance also highlights her ability to compete in a new weight category on one of the biggest stages in Asian sport.
What Is Kurash? Know the Rules of the Martial Art
Kurash is a traditional martial art associated with Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan. The sport involves two competitors who attempt to throw their opponent to the ground using permitted techniques.
Athletes wear coloured jackets during the contest. The quality and manner of a throw determine the points awarded under the rules. A powerful and effective throw that places the opponent on their back can produce the most decisive scoring outcome.
The competitor with the higher score at the end of the bout is declared the winner.
Asian Games 2026: Pinky Balhara’s Historic Kurash Achievement
Pinky Balhara’s bronze medal has created a special moment for Indian Kurash at the Asian Games 2026.
From beginning her training at just nine years old to winning medals at two editions of the Asian Games, Pinky has built a notable sporting journey. Her latest bronze medal has also secured her place in the history of Indian Kurash as the first Indian woman to win two Asian Games medals in the sport.
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