Rishabh Pant Calls for Support as India Prepares for Asian Games 2026
Rishabh Pant Encourages Fans to Support Indian Athletes
Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant has appealed to fans nationwide to unite in support of the Indian team at the upcoming Asian Games 2026. In a video posted on Instagram, Pant expressed his enthusiasm for the Games and urged fans to cheer for the athletes, regardless of the outcomes. He stated, "I am really looking forward to the Asian Games. Let's rally behind our athletes and show them our support. No matter what happens, let's give them a big cheer and plenty of encouragement."
Flagbearers for the Indian Contingent
The opening ceremony for the 20th Asian Games is set for Saturday, with double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker and shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor chosen as the flagbearers for India. Chef de mission Sahdev Yadav confirmed Bhaker's selection, while the Athletics Federation of India later announced Toor as the second flagbearer.
Bhaker, who secured two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, will participate in the women's 10m air pistol, women's 25m pistol, and the mixed team event in the 10m air pistol. She made history as the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single Olympic edition.
Toor aims to clinch his third consecutive gold medal in men's shot put, having previously won at the 2018 Jakarta Games and again at Hangzhou in 2023 with a throw of 20.36 meters.
India's Ambitions at the Asian Games
The Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4, featuring over 500 Indian athletes competing in 37 sports. Athletes from 45 countries will participate in 43 sports and 469 medal events, with Japan hosting this continental multi-sport event for the third time, following Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994.
India finished fourth in the medal tally at the Hangzhou Games, securing 107 medals, including 28 gold, 38 silver, and 41 bronze. The Indian team aims to build on this success in Japan, featuring five individual Olympic medalists, although defending javelin champion Neeraj Chopra will miss the Games due to an ankle injury.
Notable Athletes and Events to Watch
PV Sindhu will lead India's badminton efforts, while Mirabai Chanu heads the weightlifting team. Lovlina Borgohain is set to compete in boxing, and Aman Sehrawat will represent India in wrestling. The boxing team arrives after a record-breaking Commonwealth Games, where they won 10 medals, including seven gold.
Athletics is expected to play a crucial role in India's campaign, with over 70 track and field athletes participating. Key athletes to watch include Gulveer Singh, Tejaswin Shankar, and Olympian Sarvesh Kushare, alongside Toor, who seeks to continue his shot put success.
India will also aim to defend its titles in men's and women's cricket and kabaddi, as well as the men's hockey championship. Shreyas Iyer will lead the men's cricket team in the T20 competition, while the women's team, also defending champions, will be captained by T20 leader Harmanpreet Kaur.
Olympic Qualification Opportunities
The hockey tournaments will hold additional importance, as both men's and women's competitions will serve as qualification events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The winners will gain direct entry into the Games.
India will also have chances to secure LA 2028 quota spots in archery, sailing, squash, surfing, and tennis. The Indian team is set to kick off its campaign in Japan, aiming to maintain the momentum from its record medal haul at Hangzhou.