Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Asian Games Begin in Nagoya with India’s Medal Hopes
The 20th Asian Games have started in Nagoya, Japan.
Athletes from many places gathered for a large opening ceremony.
Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat carried India’s flag.
India has sent 501 athletes and officials to the Games.
The Indian women’s cricket team has already reached the semifinals.
It advanced by beating Japan by eight wickets.
Quimcy D’Souza is trying to win a bronze medal in teqball.
India hopes to win many medals after its strong performance in 2023.
The 20th Asian Games opened in Nagoya with a two-hour high-tech ceremony at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.
Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat are leading India’s 501-member contingent as flag bearers.
India’s women’s cricket team reached the semifinals after defeating hosts Japan by eight wickets.
Quimcy D’Souza will compete for a bronze medal after losing her women’s singles teqball semifinal.
India is seeking to build on its record 106-medal performance at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.
- Who
- India’s 501-member contingent, led by flag bearers Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat, is competing alongside athletes from across Asia.
- What
- The 20th Asian Games officially opened, while Indian athletes began competing in events including women’s cricket and teqball.
- When
- The opening ceremony took place on Saturday; some events had already begun before or during the ceremony.
- Where
- The Games are being held in Nagoya, Japan, with the opening ceremony at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.
- Why
- India is competing for medals and seeking to improve on its best-ever Asian Games performance in 2023.
- Edition
- 20th Asian Games
- Host city
- Nagoya, Japan
- Opening venue
- Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium
- Indian contingent
- 501 members
- Flag bearers
- Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat
- Women’s cricket
- India reached the semifinals after defeating Japan by eight wickets
- India’s 2023 result
- 106 medals, including 28 gold, finishing fourth in the standings
