Kazakhstan's women's basketball team suffered a devastating defeat to Japan at the 2026 Asian Games in a Group B match, losing 23-88 (9-23, 6-25, 5-23, 3-17). The host nation gave their opponents no chance, and the final 65-point margin marked one of Kazakhstan's heaviest losses at continental tournaments, according to infohub.kz.
The result followed a lopsided loss to the Philippines in the opening round (55-88). In none of the four quarters could Boris Fatkulin's squad score more than ten points. Japan's dominance was overwhelming, and the final "minus 65" is extremely difficult to comment on.
In Group B, the standings are as follows: Japan 4 points, Philippines 4, Hong Kong 2, Kazakhstan 2. Earlier in the same group, the Philippines beat Kazakhstan (88-55), Japan routed Hong Kong (114-37), the Philippines defeated Hong Kong (90-73), and Japan left Kazakhstan no chance (88-23).
In Group A, Indonesia beat Thailand (61-52), while China crushed Thailand (111-46). Standings: China 2 points, Indonesia 2, Thailand 2. In Group C, South Korea comfortably defeated Malaysia (106-40), and Chinese Taipei proved stronger than Mongolia (76-67). South Korea (2) and Chinese Taipei (2) lead, followed by Mongolia (1) and Malaysia (1).
On September 22, Kazakhstan's women will face Hong Kong. The top two teams from each of the three groups, plus the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the playoffs.
Throughout the history of the Asian Games, only three countries have won gold in women's basketball: China, South Korea, and Japan. Kazakhstan has finished fifth four times (1994, 1998, 2014, 2018). At the previous Asian Games, Kazakhstan's women placed 12th, with China taking the title.
The official opening of the Games took place on September 19. The multi-sport event, featuring athletes from 45 countries, will award 460 sets of medals: 217 for men, 204 for women, and 39 in mixed events. Competitions will be held in 68 disciplines across 41 sports.
Kazakhstan's team at the 2026 Asian Games will include 559 athletes. On September 20, triathlete Arlan Zhanabay brought Kazakhstan its first medal of the 2026 Asian Games, winning bronze. Today, cyclist Rinata Sultanova won gold in the individual time trial.