New Delhi, September 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended his best wishes to the Indian contingent as the 20th Asian Games officially commenced in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, saying the country was proud of its athletes for their hard work, dedication and determination.
“As the Asian Games commence in Aichi-Nagoya, my best wishes to the Indian contingent. Each athlete has worked incredibly hard and shown remarkable dedication and determination. India is proud of them. May they give their best, play well and shine!” PM Modi wrote in a post on X.
At Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, Japan’s Emperor Naruhito declared the 20th edition of the continental sporting extravaganza open, marking the ceremonial beginning of an event that will bring together thousands of athletes over the next two weeks.
The opening ceremony held special significance for India, with Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat leading the Indian contingent into the stadium.
Holding the Indian Tricolour high, the duo led a contingent carrying the expectations of a nation looking to build on its record-breaking campaign at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
India won 107 medals in Hangzhou, including 28 gold, and will now look to surpass that tally in Aichi-Nagoya.
The first Asian Games were held in New Delhi in 1951, with 489 athletes from 11 countries participating. Since then, the continental showpiece has been hosted 19 times.
The Aichi-Nagoya Games mark the 20th edition of the Asian Games and the third time Japan is hosting the continental event, after Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994. The Games will feature athletes from 45 countries and regions competing across 43 sports.
India will enter the competition as defending champions in both men’s and women’s cricket and kabaddi, while the men’s hockey team will also seek to retain its title.
PV Sindhu will spearhead India’s badminton campaign, while Mirabai Chanu will lead the weightlifting contingent. Manu Bhaker will be among India’s leading names in shooting, with Aman Sehrawat set to compete in wrestling.
Lovlina Borgohain will look to make her mark in boxing, while athletics will feature more than 75 Indian track and field athletes.
Gulveer Singh, Tejaswin Shankar, Murali Sreeshankar, Jyothi Yarraji and Parul Chaudhary are among India’s leading athletics names. Tajinderpal Singh Toor will enter Aichi-Nagoya as a two-time defending champion in the shot put.
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