India is set to send a strong contingent of more than 500 athletes to the Asian Games 2026, which will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.
According to the latest information released by the Indian government and the Indian Olympic Association, 503 Indian athletes will represent the country at the 20th edition of the continental sporting event. The contingent includes 269 men and 234 women, with Indian athletes competing across a wide range of sports.
India will participate in disciplines including athletics, archery, badminton, boxing, cricket, hockey, kabaddi, shooting, wrestling, swimming, weightlifting, tennis and table tennis, among others.
Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor to Lead India
Double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker and two-time Asian Games shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor have been named India’s flag-bearers for the opening ceremony.
Bhaker will be among India’s key contenders in shooting, while Toor will look to defend his men’s shot-put title after winning gold at the 2018 Jakarta and 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.
Several other well-known Indian athletes will also be in action in Japan. PV Sindhu will lead the badminton challenge, while Mirabai Chanu will compete in weightlifting. Wrestler Aman Sehrawat and boxer Lovlina Borgohain are also part of India’s high-profile contingent.
India Looks to Build on Hangzhou Performance
India enters the Aichi-Nagoya Games after a record-breaking performance at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, where the country won 107 medals, including 28 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronzes.
The 2026 Asian Games will bring together athletes from 45 countries and regions, with competitions being held across 43 sports. Japan is hosting the Asian Games for the third time, after previously staging the event in Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994.
For Indian athletes, the Aichi-Nagoya Games will be an opportunity to compete against some of Asia’s leading sporting talent while also gaining valuable international experience. Several disciplines will also offer opportunities linked to qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
With a mix of experienced champions and emerging athletes, India’s campaign at Asian Games 2026 will be closely watched as competition gets underway in Aichi-Nagoya.
