Asian Games, Day 2: Japan wins again. Great delight for Thailand’s Narkprasert after injury

NAGOYA, Japan – The second day of padel at the XX Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, and a second delight for Japan. After the opening-day win for the men’s Ando/Nakamura pair, the host nation secured a double victory on Day 2, winning two round-of-16 matches: in the men’s draw, Tomita/Hatakeyama defeated Rawal/Mocciola (Thailand) 6-4 6-2, while in the women’s draw, Ozawa/Sato beat Murad/Faramarzi (Qatar) 6-1 6-4. “During the match I could see the faces in the crowd and the Japanese flag,” said Ozawa. “It was a wonderful experience. I saw my family and my friends.” In the other two round-of-16 matches on the day, Indonesian players Kusumawati/Sabatini defeated Alsarraj/Alqenaei (Kuwait) in straight sets, 6-1 6-0. In the men’s draw, Shahi/Jamshid (Iran) defeated Alawadhi/Shams (Kuwait) 6-4 6-3.

 

On Day 2, alongside the opening round-of-16 matches, the women’s round of 32 was also completed. Among the highlights was the victory of Narkprasert/Srirungreang (Thailand) over Hasan/Sarkhoo (Kuwait). For Narkprasert, the victory was particularly significant as it came after a serious injury. “I have been playing for two and a half, three years, but I lost a year because of knee surgery,” said Narkprasert. “I tore my ACL and meniscus, a complete tear. I had to learn to walk again. My doctor told me that I would never be able to play anything again, and I told him I would prove him wrong.” Fard/Kahrizi (Iran), Tan/Capadocia (Philippines) and Janahi/Alawadhi (United Arab Emirates) also progressed from the other round-of-32 matches.

 

DAY 3 SCHEDULE  Wednesday 30 September: courts 1 and 2 at the Nagoya City Higashi Sports Center will host a total of twelve round-of-16 matches (six women’s and six men’s). Play will begin at 10am local time. All other matches will follow.