Indian Athletes Receive Enthusiastic Send-Off for Asian Games 2026

The Indian contingent for the Asian Games 2026 was celebrated with a grand send-off in New Delhi, led by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. With over 300 first-time athletes, the event highlighted the growing talent in Indian sports. Mandaviya expressed confidence in the team's potential to excel and emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure ahead of the 2036 Olympics. PT Usha also shared her insights on the significance of representing India on the global stage. The Asian Games promise to be a showcase of emerging talent and competitive spirit.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 9, 2026, 00:19 IST

Grand Send-Off for Indian Contingent

On September 8, a vibrant send-off ceremony was held in New Delhi for the Indian team heading to the Asian Games 2026, attended by Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports.

During the event, Mandaviya, alongside PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Secretary (Sports) Hari Ranjan Rao, and Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav, unveiled the official jersey for the contingent in front of athletes and their support teams.

Mandaviya encouraged the athletes to transform pressure into performance, viewing their competitors as opportunities to achieve greatness. He expressed his unwavering belief in the contingent's potential, stating, “I am confident that our team will excel at the Asian Games and bring pride to our nation.”

He emphasized that the success of athletes reflects the success of the country, noting that the 503-member contingent is poised to deliver impressive performances.

Highlighting the influx of young talent, Mandaviya mentioned that over 300 of the athletes are participating in the Asian Games for the first time, showcasing the depth of Indian sports.

Reflecting on India's achievements at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, he noted the importance of transparent selection processes and expressed optimism for improved medal tallies, aiming for a 35% increase from the last Games.

Mandaviya praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for sports in India, stating that the government is paving new avenues for athletes to shine on the global stage.

He outlined a 10-year plan with an investment of over Rs 36,000 crore to enhance sports infrastructure, aiming for a strong presence by the time India hosts the Olympics in 2036.

PT Usha also spoke at the event, emphasizing that the journey in sports is not solely about medals but about fulfilling dreams. She expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports for their ongoing support.

The Asian Games 2026 will feature the Indian contingent competing in various sports disciplines in Japan, with a significant number of first-time participants, highlighting the growing strength of Indian athletics.