The 20th Asian Games were inaugurated with a grand ceremony at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, Japan, on September 19, 2026. The event marked the commencement of this prestigious multi-sport competition, which will run until October 4. Athletes from 45 countries and regions have gathered to participate in 43 sports and 469 medal events during these Games.

Highlighting India’s participation, double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi standout Pawan Sehrawat were honoured as the flagbearers for the Indian contingent. Bhaker’s reputation comes from her significant achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she earned two bronze medals.

Sehrawat’s role as flagbearer came after a last-minute change, replacing shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor due to unforeseen technical issues. The ceremony was an emotional milestone for the athletes, especially for Bhaker, as she remembered her late coach Jaspal Rana, who passed away earlier in June.

Tribute to Coach Jaspal Rana

Manu Bhaker expressed her grief over the loss of Jaspal Rana, stating that the moment held significant emotional value for her. Rana, a Dronacharya Award recipient and a Padma Shri laureate, contributed immensely to Indian shooting as both an athlete and coach. He passed away on June 13, 2026, after battling health complications in New Delhi.

Rana was an accomplished shooter who amassed 15 medals, including nine gold, over four Commonwealth Games, making him a notable figure in Indian sports history. His role in shaping Bhaker’s career cannot be understated, as he was instrumental in her development as a high-performance shooter.

In her remarks, Bhaker reflected on her coach’s influence, highlighting how his guidance has contributed to her success. Competing in events like the women’s 10m air pistol and the mixed team event showcases her dedication to honouring his legacy through her performances at the Games.

India’s Aspiration for Medals

The Indian delegation comprises 501 athletes competing across 36 sports, aiming to build on their previous successes. At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, India finished fourth in the medal tally, securing a total of 106 medals including 28 golds. These Games serve as an opportunity for Indian athletes to further establish their presence on the international stage.

Pawan Sehrawat, part of the men’s kabaddi team, aspires to defend India’s title, having won gold in previous editions. The team has historically been dominant in this sport, claiming gold medals in eight out of nine tournaments since kabaddi was included in the Asian Games.

Other notable athletes in the Indian contingent include PV Sindhu in badminton, Mirabai Chanu in weightlifting, and Lovlina Borgohain in boxing. The team’s prowess extends to athletics, where over 70 participants will compete, including notable athletes such as Gulveer Singh and Tejaswin Shankar. However, defending champion Neeraj Chopra will miss the Games due to injury.

As the Games progress, the Indian teams in cricket, kabaddi, and hockey are set to contend for gold medals, with cricketers Shreyas Iyer and Harmanpreet Kaur leading the men’s and women’s squads, respectively. The significance of these Games is heightened as the hockey tournaments serve as qualifiers for the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

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