India’s journey from the inaugural Asian Games in New Delhi to Aichi-Nagoya 2026
Asian Games 2026: At a Glance
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Edition: 20th Asian Games
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Host: Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
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Dates: September 19 to October 4, 2026
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Official slogan: “Imagine One Asia”
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Sports: 43
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Disciplines: 71
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Events: 469
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Total medals awarded: 1,407
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Participating countries and regions: 45
India’s Performance
India concluded its campaign with 85 medals, including 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze.
| Medal category | Medals won |
|---|---|
| Gold | 21 |
| Silver | 27 |
| Bronze | 37 |
| Total | 85 |
India’s Gold Medal Highlights
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Archery: 5 gold medals
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Shooting: 3 gold medals
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Boxing: 3 gold medals
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Wrestling: 2 gold medals
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Cricket: 2 gold medals
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Hockey: 2 gold medals
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Kabaddi: 2 gold medals
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Athletics: 1 gold medal
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Golf: 1 gold medal
Standout Team Performances
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Cricket: India’s men’s team defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the final.
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Hockey: The men’s team retained its continental title with a 5-1 victory over Malaysia.
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Kabaddi: India won gold in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
India’s Contingent
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Athletes: 501
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Sporting disciplines: 36
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Asian Games debutants: More than 300
A send-off ceremony was held in New Delhi on September 8, 2026, ahead of the contingent’s departure. Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Indian Olympic Association President P.T. Usha and Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav attended the event, where the official contingent jersey was unveiled.
At the opening ceremony on September 19, double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat led India’s parade.
India’s Role in the Asian Games
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The inaugural Asian Games were held in New Delhi in March 1951.
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The idea of an Asian sporting competition was proposed by G.D. Sondhi, India’s representative on the International Olympic Committee.
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Eleven nations and 489 athletes participated in the first edition.
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Athletes competed across six sports.
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India finished second in the medal table, behind Japan.
The Games were conceived as a platform to strengthen ties among Asian nations in the aftermath of the Second World War.
Government Initiatives to Strengthen Indian Sports
1. Khelo Bharat Niti
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Launched on July 1, 2025.
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Aims to develop an inclusive, performance-driven sporting ecosystem.
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Focuses on bridging the rural-urban gap in training and sports facilities.
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Promotes community participation, partnerships and links between sports and education.
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Sets excellence at the 2036 Olympics as a long-term objective.
2. Financial Support
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Union Budget 2026-27 allocation to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports: ₹4,479.88 crore.
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Khelo India allocation for 2026-27: ₹924.35 crore.
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Sports goods manufacturing allocation: ₹500 crore.
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Combined outlay for the revamped Khelo India scheme and support to National Sports Federations for 2026-27 to 2030-31: ₹36,441 crore.
3. Grassroots Talent Development
As of July 2026, according to the supplied source:
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1,067 Khelo India Centres had been established.
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349 sports infrastructure projects worth ₹3,176 crore had been approved.
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2,745 Khelo India Athletes were receiving support for coaching, equipment, medical care and monthly allowances.
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More than 63,000 athletes had competed in Khelo India Games since 2018.
4. Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI)
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Targets children aged 9 to 18 years.
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Uses 174 Talent Assessment Centres.
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Seeks to identify and nurture sporting talent through merit-based assessment.
5. Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
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Supports elite athletes through international competitions, overseas training, coaching camps and specialised equipment.
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Provides a monthly stipend of ₹50,000 to supported athletes.
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Junior athletes in the Development Group receive ₹25,000 per month.
As of April 2026, the source lists 55 Core Athletes, 62 Para Core Athletes and 140 Development Athletes under TOPS, in addition to 67 core athletes in hockey.
Asian Para Games 2026: What’s Next?
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Host: Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
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Dates: October 18 to 24, 2026
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Expected participation: Around 3,000 athletes
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National Paralympic Committees: 45
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Para sports: 18
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India’s participation: Fifth appearance
At the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games, India won a record 111 medals, including 29 gold. Female athletes contributed 40 medals, accounting for approximately 36 per cent of India’s total.
India’s previous medal tallies at the Asian Para Games were 14 in 2010, 33 in 2014 and 72 in 2018.
India’s Roadmap Beyond Aichi-Nagoya
India’s sporting ambitions extend beyond the Asian Games, with preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and a longer-term objective of achieving excellence at the 2036 Olympics.
The government’s approach includes expanding grassroots participation, strengthening sports infrastructure, identifying talent at an early age and providing targeted support to elite athletes.
India’s 85-medal campaign at Aichi-Nagoya adds to these efforts, with performances across archery, shooting, boxing, wrestling and team sports contributing to the overall tally.
-PIB
