India Achieves Clean Sweep at Asian Lacrosse Games; Men Defeat Iraq, Women Triumph Over Pakistan

Udaipur: India achieved a remarkable double victory in both men’s and women’s categories at the Asian Lacrosse Games 2025-26, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Indian men’s team defeated Iraq in the final, while the women’s team overpowered Pakistan, showcasing India’s growing dominance in the sport.
According to team manager Imran Lari, the victories were largely due to the strategic planning and guidance of coach Neeraj Batra and technical officer Shakeel Khan.
The women’s final against Pakistan was a high-voltage encounter, but India dominated with a 22-5 victory. Initially, the match was competitive, with both teams buoyed by enthusiastic local supporters. However, India’s speed, precise attacking play, strong defense, coordinated teamwork, and exceptional goalkeeping dismantled Pakistan’s game plan.
Key contributors for the Indian women’s team included:
•    Jula Kumari Gurjar – 8 goals
•    Jahnvi Rathore – 6 goals
•    Yashoda Gameti – 3 goals
•    Meera Dauja & Dali Gameti – 2 goals each
•    Sunita Meena – 1 goal
Former captain and top scorer of the previous Asian Games, Sunita Meena, played a critical role as a game planner, assisting most goals along with Roshni Bose, while defender Khushboo ensured a strong defense. Goalkeepers Yashishta Batra and Mukan Kumari Gurjar made crucial saves, preventing Pakistani attacks and maintaining a wide goal margin.
Inspired by the women’s victory, the men’s team began their final against Iraq with a fast-paced, strategic approach. Injured striker Mohanlal Gameti served as the main game planner, drawing the attention of Iraq’s defenders and allowing India to exploit the wings effectively.
Goal scorers for the men’s team included:
•    Dayashankar Gameti – 5 goals
•    Khumaram Gameti & Nishant Nagda – 2 goals each
The team also displayed excellent total lacrosse defense, led by Ashish Goyat and goalkeeper Narayan Lal Gameti, culminating in a 9-3 victory over Iraq.
The double triumph sparked celebrations not only across India but also among local supporters in Riyadh, who chanted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and applauded the teams. Chief de-mission Saurabh Vetal, Shahzad Khan, Rajpal Reddy, along with players, coaches, and supporters, waved the Indian tricolor and celebrated on the field.
Congratulations poured in from officials and dignitaries including:
•    Ravi Kishan Shukla, President, Lacrosse Federation of India and MP from Gorakhpur
•    Bipoon Vijay, Chairman
•    Tausif Lari, CEO
•    Nabij Alam, Secretary General
•    State associations, promoters, and supporters, including Ashok Parnami (President, Rajasthan Lacrosse Association), Neeraj Pawan (President, Rajasthan Sports Council), Dr. Manalal Lal Rawat (Udaipur MP), Phool Singh Meena (Udaipur Rural MLA), Pragya Kevalramani (Udaipur Divisional Commissioner), Kanhaiyalal Swami (Commissioner, Tribal Development), Namit Mehta (Udaipur Collector), Rahul Jain (Udaipur Development Authority), and Shraddha Murdia (Kashti Foundation).
Officials expressed optimism that this historic success will boost lacrosse popularity across India and provide better opportunities for young athletes nationwide.