New Delhi, India, September 10, 2026: The Indian Olympic Association held a special send-off ceremony on Tuesday, September 8, for India’s contingent bound for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The event was attended by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, and IOA President PT Usha, alongside athletes, coaches, support staff and partners.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya said: “There is no shortage of talent in this country. Day by day, year by year, we are moving forward, and we have to change the pressure into performance, the opponent into an opportunity, and the opportunity into an achievement. I have complete faith that our contingent will perform well at the Asian Games and increase the pride of the nation.”
India will be represented by 503 athletes – 269 men and 234 women – at the Asian Games from September 19 to October 4.
India will head to the continental showpiece looking to build on its record-breaking campaign at Hangzhou 2022, where the country won 107 medals – 28 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronze.
PT Usha said: “Do not be overwhelmed by the occasion; make the occasion remember you. Look at yourself and remember how far you have come. You have earned your place among the best in Asia. Don’t carry the weight of expectations, carry the strength of them. Go out there, enjoy the competition and give everything you have. Go with confidence, humility and the belief that you can compete with anyone in Asia.”
A highlight of the send-off ceremony was a panel discussion featuring Olympic medallist Swapnil Kusale (shooting), Commonwealth Games gold medallist Asmita Dey (judo), weightlifter Gyaneshwari Yadav and kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat.
