New Delhi, September 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Asian Games 2026 will officially get underway in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with India aiming to build on its record-breaking medal tally from the previous edition in Hangzhou.
The continental multi-sport event, organised every four years by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), will feature athletes from 45 countries and regions competing across 43 sports.
The 2026 edition will be the 20th Asian Games and the third time Japan has hosted the continental showpiece, following Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994.
The Asian Games were first held in New Delhi in 1951, when 489 athletes from 11 countries participated. Since then, the event has been staged 19 times.
India recorded its best-ever Asian Games performance at Hangzhou in 2023, winning 107 medals, including 28 gold. The Indian contingent will look to improve on that tally in Aichi-Nagoya.
India will enter the competition as defending champions in men’s and women’s cricket and kabaddi, while the men’s hockey team will also seek to retain its title.
India’s Key Athletes
PV Sindhu will spearhead India’s badminton campaign, while Mirabai Chanu will lead the weightlifting contingent.
In shooting, Manu Bhaker will be among India’s leading medal contenders, while Aman Sehrawat will represent the country in wrestling. Boxer Lovlina Borgohain will also be among the prominent Indian athletes in action.
Athletics will feature more than 75 Indian track and field athletes. Gulveer Singh, Tejaswin Shankar, Murali Sreeshankar, Jyothi Yarraji and Parul Chaudhary are among the athletes expected to challenge for medals.
Shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor will enter the Games as the two-time defending champion in the event.
The Asian Games will also offer Olympic qualification opportunities in archery, sailing, squash, surfing and tennis.
Asian Games 2026 Live Streaming and Telecast in India
When is the Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony?
The opening ceremony of the Asian Games 2026 will take place on September 19 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Where can viewers watch the Asian Games 2026 live on TV in India?
The live telecast will be available on Sony Sports 1 and Sony Sports 5. Regional-language coverage will also be available on Sony Sports 3 in Hindi and Sony Sports 4 in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.
Where can viewers stream the Asian Games 2026 in India?
Live streaming of the Asian Games 2026 will be available on SonyLIV through its app and website in India.
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