India is preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with the Sports Ministry approving a 492-athlete contingent for the continental event. The squad includes 265 men and 227 women, who will compete across 35 sports.
Athletics Leads the Contingent
Athletics has the largest representation with 73 athletes, including Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra. Other prominent names in India’s squad include PV Sindhu, Manu Bhaker, Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain.
Cricket will also add considerable star power, with both the men’s and women’s T20 teams included in the contingent. Hockey, shooting and kabaddi are among the other major sports with sizeable representation.
Medal Expectations Rise
The Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4. India will aim to build on its record 107-medal haul at Hangzhou 2023, with several established champions and emerging athletes expected to lead the medal campaign.
The ministry has also maintained strict selection standards, focusing on athletes considered realistic medal contenders and, in relevant sports, those meeting continental ranking requirements.
