PT Usha Engages with OCA Leadership at Asian Games Welcome Reception
PT Usha's Participation in Asian Games Reception
Photo: @PTUshaOfficial/X
New Delhi, Sep 19: PT Usha, the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), attended the welcome reception for the Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya. During the event, she had the opportunity to meet with Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, the President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), along with other prominent figures from the Asian sports community.
Usha shared moments from the event on X, expressing that it was a valuable occasion to engage with OCA leadership and fellow sports enthusiasts. She stated, “A wonderful evening connecting with the OCA President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and the esteemed members of the OCA Family at the official welcome reception. Together, we continue to pave the way for the growth and excellence of sports across Asia.”
The reception took place just before the opening ceremony of the Asian Games, which is set for Saturday at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium. This edition of the Asian Games will see athletes from various countries, with India participating in numerous sports.
Prior to the Games, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani also chaired the 110th OCA Executive Board meeting in Nagoya, focusing on the preparations for future OCA events, including the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Riyadh 2026, the Asian Beach Games in Cebu 2028, and the Asian Winter Games in Almaty 2029.
India's journey at the Asian Games commenced ahead of the official opening, with competitions already taking place in Teqball and Cricket. In men's doubles, Mohammad Anas Imran Beg and Declan Marshall Gonsalves faced elimination after losing both their Group B matches against Vietnam and South Korea, with scores of 0-2.
On a brighter note, Quimcy Joaquim Dsouza advanced to the semifinals of the women's singles after winning her matches against Japan’s Yuina Sakamoto and Cambodia’s Koemyean DY. However, she was defeated 1-2 by Indonesia’s Ima Sumaya in the semifinal and will now compete for the bronze medal against Sakamoto.
India is also in the mixed doubles competition, with Quimcy and Imran Beg aiming for a bronze medal following a repechage victory. Additionally, the Indian women's cricket team has kicked off their campaign, with matches starting before the official opening ceremony.