New Delhi, September 20, 2026

The 2026 Asian Games have officially opened in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with India fielding a 503-member athlete contingent across 36 sports. As the country’s athletes begin their campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes, praising their hard work, dedication and determination.

In a post on X, Modi said the entire nation was proud of the Indian contingent and wished the athletes success at the Games.

“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 said.

Kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat and Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker carried the Indian flag at the opening ceremony held at Paloma Mizuho Stadium on Saturday. Sehrawat was part of India’s gold medal-winning men’s kabaddi team at the previous Asian Games, while Bhaker enters the competition as a double Olympic medallist.

Bhaker won bronze medals in the women’s 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team events at the Paris 2024 Olympics. With those two medals, she became the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympic Games.

Ahead of the opening ceremony, Bhaker described her selection as a flag-bearer as a “heartwarming” moment. She said the honour brought back memories of her early days in shooting and made her reflect on her sporting journey, while expressing gratitude to those who supported her.

Bhaker will compete in the women’s 10m air pistol, women’s 25m pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team events at Aichi-Nagoya. India will also look to carry forward the momentum from the 2022 Asian Games, where it achieved its best-ever medal haul with 107 medals, including 28 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronze.