Satwiksairaj Rankireddy & Chirag Shetty (Badminton)
The dynamic duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, affectionately known as 'Sat-Chi', enter the Asian Games not just as contenders but as the team to beat. They are the reigning men's doubles champions, having secured a historic gold at Hangzhou
Games. Their form leading into Aichi-Nagoya has been nothing short of spectacular. In 2026 alone, they have clinched prestigious titles like the Singapore Open and the China Masters Super 750. The latter was a landmark victory, making them the first-ever Indian players to win the China Masters crown. Currently ranked among the world's top pairs, their combination of Rankireddy's powerful smashes and Shetty's sharp net play makes them a formidable force. As defending champions, the pressure will be immense, but their consistent performances on the BWF World Tour prove they thrive on the biggest stages.
Indian Men's Hockey Team
As the defending gold medallists, the Indian Men's Hockey Team carries the weight of expectation. The team secured its fourth Asian Games title in Hangzhou, cementing its status as a continental powerhouse. While their 2026 World Cup campaign was a disappointment, finishing eighth, the Asian Games is a different battlefield where they have historically dominated. Led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, the squad remains the highest-ranked team from Asia and will be the overwhelming favourite. Recent successes, including winning the Asian Champions Trophy and the 2025 Asia Cup, demonstrate their consistent ability to outperform regional rivals. With an automatic qualification spot for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics on the line, the 'Men in Blue' will be fiercely motivated to assert their dominance and bring home another gold.
Antim Panghal (Wrestling)
In the world of Indian wrestling, Antim Panghal is a name synonymous with prodigious talent and relentless drive. The young wrestler from Haryana has rapidly ascended the senior ranks, proving her mettle on the world stage. She became the first Indian woman to win a U-20 World Championship and is a multiple medallist at the senior World Championships, capturing a bronze in 2025. Her transition to a higher weight category has been seamless, as evidenced by her gold medal win at the 2025 Senior National Wrestling Championship. Known for her aggressive and technically sound style, Panghal has been one of India's most consistent performers. After winning bronze at the previous Asian Games and representing India at the Paris Olympics, she has the experience and the hunger to go all the way in Nagoya.
Esha Singh (Shooting)
India's shooting contingent is brimming with talent, and at the forefront is the sensational Esha Singh. The ace shooter enters the Asian Games in blistering form, having climbed to the world number one ranking in the women's 25m pistol event. Her 2026 season has been remarkable, marked by gold medal wins at the ISSF World Cups in Munich and Hangzhou. Her victory in Munich was particularly stunning, as she set a new world record in the final, proving she can produce her absolute best under the highest pressure. A multiple medallist at the Asian Championships and World Championships, Esha has demonstrated versatility and precision across both 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events. With her current form and world-beating scores, she is undeniably one of India's brightest prospects for a gold medal on the shooting range.
Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting)
A legend of Indian sport, Mirabai Chanu has won almost every major accolade in weightlifting—an Olympic silver medal, a World Championship gold, and multiple Commonwealth Games titles. However, one prize has remained elusive: an Asian Games medal. The veteran weightlifter will be determined to complete her decorated medal cabinet in Aichi-Nagoya. Despite being one of the most experienced athletes in the contingent, her hunger for success remains undiminished. Competing in the 49kg category, Chanu's experience and proven track record of peaking for major multi-sport events make her a formidable opponent. After years of dominating the Commonwealth level and making her mark on the Olympic stage, winning gold at the Asian Games would be the crowning achievement in an already stellar career.
