1 day ago
India Sends Asian Games Contingent Seeking Another Record Medal Haul
India has officially sent off its team for the 2026 Asian Games.
The Games will happen in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.
Athletes, coaches and support staff attended the ceremony.
Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya told the team to use pressure as motivation.
Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha said athletes should compete with confidence and courage.
Judo athlete Asmita Dey said the competition will be especially difficult because Japan is the birthplace of judo.
India hopes to perform strongly against the best athletes in Asia.
The team will try to build on India’s record of 107 medals at the 2023 Asian Games.
India’s 2026 Asian Games contingent received an official send-off from the Indian Olympic Association.
The Aichi-Nagoya Games will take place in Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya urged athletes to turn pressure into performance and opportunities into achievements.
IOA president PT Usha encouraged athletes to compete confidently without being overwhelmed by expectations.
India won a record 107 medals, including 28 golds, at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.
- Who
- India’s athletes, coaches and support staff, alongside officials including Mansukh Mandaviya and PT Usha.
- What
- India held an official send-off ceremony for its contingent to the 2026 Asian Games.
- Where
- The ceremony was held in India, while the Games will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- When
- The send-off took place on Tuesday; the Games will run from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
- Why
- The ceremony prepared and encouraged India’s team as it seeks a strong performance after its record medal haul in 2023.
Key facts
- Event
- 2026 Asian Games
- Host location
- Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
- Competition dates
- September 19–October 4, 2026
- Previous Indian medal record
- 107 medals at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games
- Previous gold-medal total
- 28 gold medals in 2023
- Contingent ceremony
- Organized by the Indian Olympic Association
- Featured athletes
- Swapnil Kusale, Asmita Dey, Gyaneshwari Yadav and Pawan Sehrawat
Quotes
Mansukh Mandaviya
Union sports minister of India
“There is no shortage of talent in this country. Day by day, year by year, we are moving forward, and we have to change the pressure into performance, the opponent into an opportunity, and the opportunity into an achievement.”
telegraphindia.com
“Do not be overwhelmed by the occasion; make the occasion remember you. Look at yourself and remember how far you have come. You have earned your place among the best in Asia.”
telegraphindia.com
Asmita Dey
Commonwealth Games judo champion and Indian athlete
“The Asian Games are very tough. Judo itself comes from Japan, and there are judo masters in my weight category, players ranked seventh, eighth and 14th in the world.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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