India’s Asian Games 2026 contingent received a grand send-off in the national capital on Tuesday as athletes, coaches and support staff gear up for the continental sporting extravaganza in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.
The special ceremony, organised by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), brought together members of Team India, officials, dignitaries and partners ahead of the country’s campaign at the Games.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Indian Olympic Association President Dr. PT Usha were among those present at the event, which celebrated the athletes and their preparations for the upcoming competition.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, said, “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. I have complete faith that our contingent will perform well at the Asian Games and increase the pride of the country.”
Dr. PT Usha urged the athletes to embrace the challenge and compete with confidence, while reminding them of the journey that had earned them a place among Asia’s finest.
Dr. PT Usha, President, Indian Olympic Association, added, “Do not be overwhelmed by 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. Don’t carry the weight of expectations, carry the strength of them. Go out there, enjoy the competition, and give everything you have. Go with confidence, courage, humility and the belief that you can compete with anyone in Asia.”
A major highlight of the ceremony was a panel discussion featuring Olympic medallist Swapnil Kusale, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Asmita Dey, Commonwealth Games medallist and weightlifter Gyaneshwari Yadav, and Indian kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat.
Judo star Asmita spoke about the challenges awaiting her in Japan, particularly in a highly competitive weight category featuring several world-ranked athletes.
Speaking about participating at the Asian Games, Judoka star Asmita said, “The Asian Games are very tough. Judo itself comes from Japan, and there are judo masters in my weight category, players ranked 7th, 8th, 14th in the world. To win this medal, I’ll have to prepare like never before and be ready to defeat every one of them.”
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will bring together the continent’s leading sporting nations, with Indian athletes set to compete across a wide range of disciplines from September 19 to October 4.
India will enter the Games looking to build on its record-breaking performance at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where the country won 107 medals.
With preparations in full swing, the IOA and the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports remain confident that the Indian contingent can produce another strong showing and return from Aichi-Nagoya with medals and renewed pride for the nation.
