Indian Athletes Celebrated with Grand Send-Off for Asian Games 2026
New Delhi, September 8, 2026 – The Indian contingent for the upcoming Asian Games 2026 received an enthusiastic farewell in New Delhi today. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, was present to support the athletes as they prepare to represent India on an international stage.
During the event, Dr. Mandaviya joined Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Dr. P.T. Usha, Secretary (Sports) Hari Ranjan Rao, and Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav to unveil the official jersey for the athletes. The occasion was marked by the attendance of not just athletes, but also the vital support staff who play an integral role in their journey.
In his address, Dr. Mandaviya encouraged the athletes to transform pressure into performance and view competitors as opportunities for growth. “I have complete faith that our contingent will perform well at the Asian Games and increase the pride of the country,” he stated confidently.
Expressing optimism about India’s representation, he highlighted that out of the 503 members in the contingent, over 300 athletes are participating for the first time. This surge of new talent emphasizes the evolving landscape of Indian sports.
The Minister also celebrated India’s achievements at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where the nation secured 13 gold medals, marking a 35% improvement compared to previous performance. He credited the transparent and merit-based selection process, which included open trials and independent observers, for this success. Dr. Mandaviya wished the athletes and their support teams the best in their upcoming challenges.
Lauding the vision set forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he mentioned that the government has paved new pathways for athletes to excel globally. Looking ahead, he shared ambitious goals for 2036, when India aims to host the Olympics. A commitment of over Rs 36,000 crore has been allocated for enhancing sports infrastructure to achieve this vision.
Dr. P.T. Usha, speaking at the event, emphasized that a sporting journey is not defined solely by medals, but by the dreams and aspirations of the participants. “As representatives of India, we carry both a responsibility and a privilege,” she remarked, thanking the government for its unwavering support.
The Asian Games 2026 is set to be a platform for India’s athletes to showcase their talents across various sports in Japan. The comprehensive contingent, comprising athletes and support staff, aims to elevate India’s standing in international sports.
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