Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Rishabh Pant Backs Indian Athletes Ahead of Asian Games 2026
Rishabh Pant made a video asking Indian fans to cheer for the country’s athletes.
He said athletes deserve support regardless of the results.
The 2026 Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Athletes from 45 countries and regions will compete in 43 sports.
India won 107 medals at the previous Games in Hangzhou in 2023.
This time, India hopes to win even more medals.
Several well-known Indian athletes will compete in sports such as badminton, shooting, wrestling and boxing.
Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor will carry India’s flags at the opening ceremony.
Rishabh Pant urged Indian fans to support the country’s athletes at the 2026 Asian Games.
The Aichi-Nagoya Games will feature 45 countries and regions competing in 43 sports.
India is seeking to surpass its 107-medal tally, including 28 golds, from Hangzhou 2023.
PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu, Manu Bhaker and other leading athletes are expected to spearhead India’s campaign.
Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor have been named India’s flag-bearers for the opening ceremony.
- Who
- Rishabh Pant urged Indian fans to support India’s athletes, while Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor were named flag-bearers.
- What
- India is preparing for the 2026 Asian Games and seeking to improve on its record 107-medal performance at Hangzhou 2023.
- When
- The Asian Games are scheduled for 2026; the opening ceremony is stated to take place on Saturday from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm IST.
- Where
- Aichi-Nagoya, Japan; the opening ceremony will be held at Paloma Mizuho Stadium.
- Why
- India wants to surpass its previous medal haul, while Pant is encouraging fans to support the athletes.
- Host location
- Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
- Participating countries and regions
- 45
- Sports
- 43
- India’s Hangzhou 2023 medals
- 107, including 28 gold
- India’s cricket and kabaddi status
- Defending champions in men’s and women’s cricket and kabaddi
- Opening ceremony venue
- Paloma Mizuho Stadium
- India’s flag-bearers
- Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor