Manipur Athletes Gear Up for 20th Asian Games in Japan

On September 19, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh of Manipur expressed his heartfelt wishes to the 36 athletes and three coaches from the state who will represent India at the upcoming 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, scheduled for 2026.

These talented sportspersons will compete in various disciplines, including Sepaktakraw, Rowing, Cycling, Fencing, Canoeing & Kayaking, Boxing, Weightlifting, Wushu, and Hockey, as detailed in an official announcement.

The contingent consists of 12 athletes in Sepaktakraw, one in Rowing, three in Cycling, three in Fencing, six in Canoeing & Kayaking, one in Boxing, three in Weightlifting, three in Wushu, one in Judo, and three in Hockey.

The Asian Games will commence on Saturday and run until October 4, 2026, bringing together athletes from across Asia for one of the continent's largest multi-sport events.

Chief Minister Khemchand Singh congratulated the athletes and coaches for their selection, urging them to compete with confidence, discipline, and determination, and to strive for excellence in their events.

Kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat and Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker will lead the Indian team during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya this Saturday.

The ceremony, held at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium, marks the official start of the 20th Asian Games, with India represented by a contingent of 503 athletes across 36 sports. Sehrawat, who was part of India's gold-medal-winning kabaddi team in the previous Asian Games, will carry the national flag alongside Bhaker, a celebrated double Olympic medalist.

Bhaker, who secured two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is set to compete in the women's 10m air pistol, women's 25m pistol, and the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team events. She made history in Paris as the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single Olympic edition.

In a heartfelt video message prior to the ceremony, Bhaker shared her emotional response to being chosen as a flag bearer, reflecting on her journey in the sport and expressing gratitude for the support she has received.

India aims to surpass its performance from the 2022 Asian Games, where it achieved a remarkable total of 107 medals, including 28 gold, 38 silver, and 41 bronze.