India's Medal Contenders Shine at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya

As India prepares for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, a strong contingent of athletes, including Commonwealth Games medalists, aims for success. Key contenders like Mirabai Chanu in weightlifting and Lovlina Borgohain in boxing are set to showcase their talents. With a mix of experienced and emerging athletes, India hopes to build on its previous medal achievements. The Games, running from September 19 to October 4, will feature athletes from 45 countries competing across various sports. Will India maintain its momentum and secure more medals? Read on to find out more about the athletes to watch and the events ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 19, 2026, 23:56 IST

India's Ambitious Start at the Asian Games

As India embarks on its journey at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, a host of athletes who excelled at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 are poised to be the nation's key medal contenders in Japan.

The Indian team comprises a blend of seasoned athletes and promising newcomers, with representatives from weightlifting, athletics, boxing, and judo bringing the momentum from their Commonwealth Games achievements to this continental event. India concluded its Glasgow CWG campaign with an impressive tally of 39 medals, which included 13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze.

Top Medal Hopefuls from India

Mirabai Chanu – Women's 48kg Weightlifting: Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu stands out as one of India's top prospects in weightlifting. The Manipuri athlete secured gold in the women's 48kg category at Glasgow 2026, reinforcing her strong track record at the Commonwealth Games. With a silver medal from the Tokyo Olympics and multiple accolades from World Championships, her experience positions her as a formidable contender in Aichi-Nagoya.

Murali Sreeshankar – Men's Long Jump: Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar added a silver medal to his collection at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, achieving a jump of 8.09 meters. Known for consistently surpassing the eight-meter mark in international events, he aims to challenge for a podium finish at the Asian Games.

Preeti Pawar – Women's 54kg Boxing: Boxer Preeti Pawar emerged as a standout performer at Glasgow 2026, clinching gold in the women's 54kg category. With experience in major international competitions, she seeks to uphold India's strong boxing legacy at the Asian Games.

Jadumani Singh – Men's 55kg Boxing: Jadumani Singh earned a silver medal in the men's 55kg boxing category at Glasgow 2026. The young boxer is determined to translate his Commonwealth success into a strong performance against Asia's elite fighters, as boxing remains a key area for India.

Lovlina Borgohain – Women's 75kg Boxing: Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain added a silver medal to her accolades in the women's 75kg boxing category at the Commonwealth Games. Consistently among India's top performers, she aims for another significant medal at the Asian Games.

Gulveer Singh – Men's 5000m and 10000m Athletics: Distance runner Gulveer Singh bolstered India's athletics prospects by winning silver in the men's 10,000m and bronze in the 5000m at Glasgow 2026. Renowned for his endurance, he is set to be a leading track athlete in Aichi-Nagoya.

Asmita Dey – Women's 48kg Judo: Asmita Dey made history by winning gold in the women's 48kg judo category at Glasgow 2026. Her success contributes to India's growing presence in judo, and she aims to replicate her Commonwealth triumph at the Asian Games.

Looking Ahead to the Asian Games

India is eager to build on its record-breaking medal haul from Hangzhou 2023 as the 20th Asian Games commence in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on September 19. The event will feature athletes from 45 countries competing across 43 sports and 469 medal events. This marks Japan's third time hosting the continental multi-sport event, having previously done so in Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994.

In the Hangzhou medal standings, India finished fourth with 107 medals, including 28 gold, 38 silver, and 41 bronze, and aims to sustain that momentum in Japan. The Indian contingent includes five individual Olympic medalists, despite the absence of defending javelin throw champion Neeraj Chopra due to an ankle injury. PV Sindhu will lead the badminton team, while Mirabai Chanu heads the weightlifting squad.

Other notable athletes include Manu Bhaker in shooting, Lovlina Borgohain in boxing, and Aman Sehrawat in wrestling. The boxing team arrives after a record-breaking Commonwealth Games, where they secured 10 medals, including seven gold. Athletics is expected to play a significant role in India's campaign, with over 70 track and field athletes participating.

Gulveer Singh, Tejaswin Shankar, and Olympian Sarvesh Kushare are among the athletes to watch, while Tajinderpal Singh Toor aims to maintain his dominance in shot put after winning the title in the last two editions. India will also strive to defend its titles in men's and women's cricket and kabaddi, as well as the men's hockey championship.

In men's cricket, Shreyas Iyer will lead the title defense in the T20 format, with teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi included in the squad. The women's team, also defending champions, will be captained by T20 leader Harmanpreet Kaur.

Hockey holds additional significance, as both men's and women's tournaments will serve as qualification events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The winners will secure direct qualification for the Olympics.

India will also have chances to earn quota places for LA 2028 in archery, sailing, squash, surfing, and tennis. In squash, young Anahat Singh returns after contributing to India's women's team bronze at Hangzhou 2023 and winning a mixed doubles bronze alongside Abhay Singh. She is expected to play a prominent role in India's campaign.