Young Indian Athletes Gear Up for 2026 Asian Games in Japan
Rising Stars Prepare for Asian Games
Anish Bhanwala, a talented pistol shooter, and Antim Panghal, a skilled grappler, are both in their early twenties and have been representing India since their teenage years as they head to the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
Anish, known for his rapid-fire shooting, has previously competed in two Asian Games—2018 in Jakarta-Palembang and 2022 in Hangzhou—without securing a medal. In contrast, Antim clinched a bronze in the 53kg category during the last edition. Both athletes have also participated in the Olympics and are now more experienced, aiming for a significant podium finish in Japan, where the Games will take place from September 19 to October 4.
Chasing Medals
India's performance in core sports like wrestling, shooting, and athletics will be crucial in determining its standing in the Asian Games. In 2022, India achieved its best-ever performance, securing 28 gold, 38 silver, and 41 bronze medals, finishing fourth overall with a total of 107 medals.
Anish shared his thoughts on the upcoming Games, stating, "This will be my third Asian Games, but I prefer not to overhype it. Too much pressure can be counterproductive. Having competed in the Olympics and World Championships, I recognize that our main competitors in shooting are the Chinese and Korean athletes." He expressed confidence in matching or exceeding the previous medal tally.
Antim's Focus and Preparation
Antim, while keeping her expectations private, radiates confidence in her wrestling abilities. After recovering from a back injury and overcoming setbacks earlier this year, she feels more focused and prepared. "I have been diligently working on my offensive and defensive skills, and I am ready for the challenge. I am also studying footage of my potential opponents," said the two-time World Championships bronze medalist.
Avinash Sable's Comeback
On the athletics front, Avinash Sable, a prominent figure in the 3000m steeplechase, is eager to defend his title in Japan after recovering from a knee injury sustained during the 2025 Monaco Diamond League. The Hangzhou gold medalist expressed his readiness, stating, "I am now mentally and physically prepared to tackle any challenge." He also secured a silver medal in the men's 5000m in 2022.
Youthful Archery Team
Despite the optimism surrounding the Indian contingent, the archery team features several young and relatively inexperienced members. With Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhagat in recurve and V Jyothi Surekha in women's compound archery, the team is largely fresh. Former international archer Dola Banerjee emphasizes the importance of patience, stating, "Experience is invaluable in critical moments. Many of our archers have transitioned from youth setups, so we must be mindful of their journey. We should allow them to enjoy this significant experience and celebrate their achievements, as fresh faces often bring unexpected results."
Defending Titles in Cricket and Hockey
The Indian men's and women's cricket teams are set to defend their titles from the last Asian Games, while the men's hockey team aims to retain its gold medal, which would secure a spot for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Additionally, India is determined to break its weightlifting drought at the Asian Games, with Karnam Malleswari's 1998 silver being the last podium finish for the country in this sport.