India’s contingent for the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan features 492 athletes competing across 35 disciplines, following their record-breaking 107-medal haul at Hangzhou 2023. India enters the multi-sport
event as the defending champions in both men’s and women’s kabaddi and cricket, as well as the men’s hockey title.
Two-time defending javelin champion and Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra is ruled out due to an ankle injury, marking the first time in years that India will complete a major continental track-and-field campaign without him. Athletics makes up the largest part of the squad with 73 athletes, followed by hockey (40) and shooting and cricket (30 each).
Top 5 Medal Prospects for India at Asiad 2026
Here are the top five players who are highly likely to secure a podium finish at Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Manu Bhaker (Shooting)
Following her historic multi-medal exploits, she leads India’s strongest shooting contingent, which is expected to contribute the most gold medals. She leads a 30-member Indian shooting contingent alongside top shooters like Esha Singh, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, and Rudrankksh Patil. Manu Bhaker is set to compete in key pistol categories, including the women’s 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events.
Aman Sehrawat (Wrestling)
The Olympic bronze medalist enters the competition as one of India’s best freestyle wrestling gold medal hopes. Aman secured his spot for the Asiad by winning the trials in May 2026 (defeating Rahul 11-1) after his brief suspension by the Wrestling Federation of India was lifted. He also set the tone for the event by winning a gold medal at the Budapest ranking series in July and taking silver in the 61kg category at the Asian Championships earlier in the year.
Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing)
Lovlina Borgohain will lead India’s boxing charge in the women’s 75kg category at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. She secured her spot in the national trials in Patiala and through strong continental performances, including a gold medal at the Usti nad Labem Grand Prix in Czechia. She recently won a silver medal in the 75kg event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, making her a top contender for the medal.
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Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting)
Competing in the 49kg category, she remains a prime podium prospect for India. After winning a third consecutive gold medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in July 2026, Chanu heads an all-women four-member Indian contingent.
PV Sindhu (Badminton)
PV Sindhu will lead India’s women’s singles and team badminton contingent at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. The two-time Olympic medallist headlines the 20-member Indian badminton squad, combining experience with rising young talent as India targets a strong podium finish.
The 2026 Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4, 2026, in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
