Asian Games 2026: India’s eFootball Medal Hopes End After Mongolia Forfeit

India’s eFootball campaign at the 2026 Asian Games ended in a frustrating group-stage exit after Danial Patel and Chinmay Sahoo received a 0-0 forfeit win against Mongolia but failed to secure the goal difference needed to advance. Mongolia missed the stipulated check-in deadline, meaning India was awarded the match without playing it.

India had earlier drawn 0-0 against Uzbekistan, making the final Group F fixture crucial. Mongolia’s team leader reportedly arrived three minutes after the designated check-in time, triggering the forfeit result. However, the 0-0 score did not improve India’s goal difference, leaving the team level with Uzbekistan on four points but behind on the relevant qualification criteria.

India also missed out on the best second-placed route, with Thailand and Saudi Arabia taking those positions. Patel, the reigning Asian eFootball Mobile champion, and Sahoo had asked officials to allow the match to be played, but were told that the rules required a forfeit.

The Indian pair could have pursued a formal review, but chose not to because it required a US$500 fee. Patel said India would have needed a significantly different walkover score to remain in contention.

The result comes after another Indian Asian Games medal campaign, involving Suchika Tariyal in traditional MMA, was decided through competition regulations. India’s wider eSports campaign continues in Pokemon Unite, League of Legends and Puyo Puyo Champions, but Patel and Sahoo’s eFootball run ended without them playing their final match.

Published: 1h ago

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