Indian Athletes Gear Up for 2026 Asian Games with High Hopes

Excitement Builds for the Asian Games

New Delhi, September 8: Judoka Asmita Dey, weightlifter Gyaneshwari Yadav, and table tennis player Payas Jain are all buzzing with anticipation as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, each aiming for a spot on the podium.

Both Asmita and Gyaneshwari recently achieved podium finishes at the 2026 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow last month.

Asmita triumphed in the women's 48kg judo category, securing gold after a thrilling final against Canada's Heidi Quach, marking India's first judo gold at these Games. Meanwhile, Gyaneshwari earned a silver medal in the women's 53kg weightlifting event.

As the Asian Games approach, scheduled from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, Asmita expressed her eagerness to compete but also acknowledged the pressure to replicate her success from the Commonwealth Games. She mentioned her commitment to rigorous training in Japan leading up to the event.

"I am thrilled to be competing in the Asian Games just a month after the Commonwealth Games. However, excitement alone won't suffice; I need to secure a medal as well. Therefore, I am putting in a lot of effort and will be heading to Japan for training soon. I hope to perform well and bring home a medal for my country," she stated.

"Winning a medal at the Commonwealth Games adds pressure, and I know I must continue to strive for success at the Asian Games as well. That's why I am dedicated to working even harder," she added.

Gyaneshwari also shared her feelings of excitement mixed with nervousness as she prepares for her first Asian Games, recognizing the responsibility of representing India. She is determined to achieve a podium finish while also aiming to surpass her personal best.

"This is my first Asian Games, and I am very excited. The Commonwealth Games were also my debut, and after winning a medal there, I had limited time to prepare. However, we are making the most of our time and working diligently, which makes me both excited and a bit anxious," she remarked.

"There is pressure because we are competing for India, and we must perform well to secure a podium finish. However, as athletes, we also strive to achieve our personal best. In weightlifting, even a 1kg improvement is significant, and if I can achieve that while winning a medal, it would be a remarkable accomplishment for me," she explained.

Payas Jain, too, is looking forward to his first Asian Games, expressing confidence in the team's preparation for the challenges ahead. He believes that India has a strong chance of delivering its best performance yet.

"I am very excited about my first Asian Games. Challenges are inevitable in such a major tournament, but we have been preparing extensively to secure medals. I am optimistic about our chances and look forward to seeing how it unfolds. I believe we can achieve our best this time," he stated.

Recently, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) hosted a special send-off for the athletes heading to the Asian Games 2026, as they gear up to represent India at this prestigious continental event.

The ceremony brought together athletes, coaches, support staff, dignitaries, and partners, all united in their goal to deliver outstanding performances on the continental stage.

The event was graced by Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, and PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, along with athletes, coaches, and support staff.