Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Modi Wishes Indian Athletes as Asian Games 2026 Open
The Asian Games are a big sports competition for countries in Asia.
The 2026 Games began in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on September 19.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished India’s athletes good luck.
He praised their hard work, dedication and determination.
Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat carried India’s flag at the opening ceremony.
India sent 503 athletes to compete in 36 sports.
At the last Games in 2023, India won 107 medals, including 28 gold.
Indian athletes will try to win many medals again in sports such as cricket, kabaddi, hockey, shooting and athletics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished India’s athletes success as the 20th Asian Games began in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on September 19, 2026.
Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat led India’s contingent during the opening ceremony, reported at Paloma Mizuho Stadium and Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.
India is represented by 503 athletes competing across 36 sports, while the Games feature athletes from 45 countries and regions across 43 sports.
India won 107 medals, including 28 gold, at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou and will seek to surpass that total.
India will defend titles in men’s and women’s cricket and kabaddi, while the men’s hockey team will seek to retain its championship.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian contingent, and flag-bearers Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat.
- What
- The 20th Asian Games officially opened, and Modi wished Indian athletes success.
- When
- September 19, 2026.
- Where
- Aichi-Nagoya, Japan; the opening ceremony was reported at Paloma Mizuho Stadium and Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya.
- Why
- The Games bring athletes from 45 countries and regions together to compete across 43 sports.
- Event
- 20th Asian Games
- Host location
- Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
- Opening venue
- Reported as Paloma Mizuho Stadium and Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, Nagoya
- Indian contingent
- 503 athletes competing across 36 sports
- Games participation
- 45 countries and regions competing across 43 sports
- India’s 2023 result
- 107 medals, including 28 gold, in Hangzhou
- Indian flag-bearers
- Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat
