Riyadh: India delivered a dominant performance at the Asian Lacrosse Games held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, clinching both the men’s and women’s titles at the tournament. The second edition of the Games featured teams from India, Pakistan, Iraq, and host nation Saudi Arabia, highlighting the growing popularity of lacrosse across the region.

In the men’s final, India defeated Iraq 9–2 to secure the gold medal. The Indian team was led by captain T Anudeep Reddy of Telangana, who expressed pride in the team’s outstanding performance. Left-handed player Dayashankar Gameti emerged as the top scorer with five goals, while Khumar Ram Gameti and Nishant Nagda added two goals each. The team’s defence, led by Ashish Goyat, displayed strong coordination, while goalkeeper Narayan Lal Gameti delivered an impressive performance to ensure a comfortable victory. Belagal Hussiansab of Kurnool was also part of the victorious Indian squad.

The women’s final proved to be a one-sided affair, with the Indian team, captained by Sunita Meena, registering a commanding 22–5 win over Pakistan to claim the championship.

Following India’s success, the Indian community in Riyadh hosted a reception to celebrate the teams’ achievements. The event was led by prominent philanthropist Dr Idris Saleem Gour and was attended by senior diplomat YK Sabir, along with community leaders including Shihab Kotthukad and Muzzamil Shaikh.

Praising the athletes, Dr Idris said the young players had made India proud on the global stage. He also noted that hosting the championship reflected Saudi Arabia’s growing role in promoting diverse sports and fostering international sporting ties.