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The Asian Games 2026 officially began in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on September 19, bringing together athletes from across Asia for one of the continent’s biggest sporting events. The Games will continue until October 4, with athletes competing across a wide range of sports for continental honours.
India has entered the Asian Games 2026 with a 503-athlete contingent, including around 500 competitors across 36 sports. The Indian team features a mix of Olympic medallists, experienced international performers and young athletes aiming to make their mark on the Asian stage.
Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat are serving as India’s flag-bearers at the opening ceremony. Bhaker, one of India’s leading shooting stars, will be among the athletes expected to attract major attention during the Games, while kabaddi star Sehrawat will lead the Indian contingent alongside her.
Among the largest contingents at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, Japan leads with 927 athletes, followed by China with 811 and South Korea with 787. Thailand has 690 athletes, Hong Kong 581 and Kazakhstan 557. India’s contingent of 503 places it among the 10 largest participating squads, ahead of Chinese Taipei, the Philippines and Malaysia.
India will compete in a broad programme that includes athletics, shooting, boxing, wrestling, badminton, hockey, archery, kabaddi, cricket and several other sports. The country will also have opportunities to secure medals and Olympic qualification spots in disciplines where quotas are available.
The Indian contingent arrives at Aichi-Nagoya after a historic performance at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where India won a record 107 medals. The focus now shifts to the athletes competing in Japan as India begins its latest campaign on the Asian sporting stage.
The Asian Games 2026 will run from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Live coverage in India is available through Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV.
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