India will go into the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya with big expectations after making history in Hangzhou. The country won 107 medals in the 2024 Asian Games in China which is a record for any country. It won 28 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronze medals and was placed fourth overall. However, India will face a challenge in beating that record as some key players are not part of the Asian games squad this time. Neeraj Chopra’s absence is particularly crucial, and some veteran archers like Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das have also missed out.
However, India will still count on some big medal hopes in the likes of Manu Bhaker, Aman Sehrawat, Mirabai Chanu, Gulveer Singh, Dhiraj Bommadevara, and Esha Singh. Athletics is one of the most competitive sports in India, while shooting and badminton are likely to play a key role in India’s success. Major names in badminton will include P.V. Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, and the doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. India will also look to defend its golds in cricket and kabaddi.
IOA gives sendoff to 503 member Indian contingent for 2026 Asian Games
India’s 503-member contingent received a grand send-off in New Delhi ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya expressing confidence in the athletes’ ability to deliver a strong performance. The contingent comprises 269 men and 234 women, with more than 300 athletes set to make their Asian Games debut. “I have complete faith that our contingent will perform well at the Asian Games and increase the pride of the country,” Mandaviya said. He added, “Sports is a sector where success is not just a matter of pride for the athlete alone – the athlete’s success is the nation’s success.”
Athletics forms the largest group with 79 athletes, followed by hockey with 40, while shooting and cricket have 30 representatives each. Badminton has 20 athletes, rowing 22, esports 15, wrestling 16 and boxing 11, while archery has 12. The wider squad will compete across 36 disciplines, including emerging sports such as mixed martial arts, netball and surfing. Indian Olympic Association president P.T. Usha said, “A sporting journey is measured not just by medals, but by dreams. We are travelling as representatives of India. It is both a responsibility and a privilege.” The determined contingent will now look to build on India’s record 107-medal haul at the previous Asian Games.
