Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Five Indian Athletes Carry Long Asian Games Journeys Into Nagoya
Five Indian athletes going to Nagoya have competed at the Asian Games before.
Mirabai Chanu first competed in 2014 and is trying again after finishing fourth in 2022.
Mairaj Ahmad Khan first appeared in 2006 and is returning at age 50.
Anu Raghavan was originally fourth in 2018, but later received the bronze position after another athlete was disqualified.
Rahi Sarnobat won a gold medal in 2018.
She then had health problems and took time away before returning to shooting.
Harmanpreet Singh won bronze in 2018 and gold in 2022 with India's hockey team.
These athletes show how sports careers can include medals, setbacks, breaks and comebacks.
Mirabai Chanu is making her fourth Asian Games appearance after finishing ninth in 2014 and fourth in 2022.
Mairaj Ahmad Khan returns at age 50 for his fourth Asian Games after competing in 2006, 2010 and 2014.
Anu Raghavan finished fourth in Jakarta in 2018 and was later upgraded to bronze after a rival's disqualification.
Rahi Sarnobat won the 25m pistol gold medal in 2018 before overcoming neuropathic pain and returning to competition.
Harmanpreet Singh won Asian Games bronze in 2018, gold in 2022 and now captains India's men's hockey team.
- Who
- Mirabai Chanu, Mairaj Ahmad Khan, Anu Raghavan, Rahi Sarnobat and Harmanpreet Singh.
- What
- They are experienced Indian athletes returning to compete at the 2026 Asian Games.
- When
- The 2026 Asian Games, following their earlier appearances between 2006 and 2022.
- Where
- Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- Why
- They are continuing their Asian Games careers, including through comebacks, repeated attempts and leadership roles.
- Event
- 2026 Asian Games
- Host location
- Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
- Mirabai Chanu
- Fourth Asian Games appearance; finished fourth in the women's 49kg event in 2022 with a total of 191kg
- Mairaj Ahmad Khan
- Fourth appearance; previously competed at Doha 2006, 2010 and Incheon 2014
- Anu Raghavan
- Moved from fourth to the bronze-medal position after Kemi Adekoya's disqualification
- Rahi Sarnobat
- Won women's 25m pistol gold at Jakarta 2018
- Harmanpreet Singh
- Won hockey bronze in 2018 and gold in 2022; captain of India's men's team in 2026