India, Oct. 4 -- Multi-sport events can be like intriguing long-distance races, where the finish, and a burst of speed at the final bend, often leave a greater lasting impression than the start.

And what a finish it has been for India at the 2026 Asian Games.

The contingent's gold drive, which oscillated between first and second gear through the opening week, gradually picked up pace and switched to fifth gear as the end approached.

And off went India zooming up on the medals tally, fuelled by the five gold medals on Saturday to back up Friday's six. Those 11 top finishes across two days swelled India's tally to 21 gold, 27 silver, 37 bronze and 85 medals.

India will end the campaign with their second-best showing ever at the continen...