New Delhi: The Indian contingent for the Asian Games 2026 received a grand send-off in New Delhi on September 8. Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya urged athletes to turn pressure into performance.
Mandaviya attended the event along with Indian Olympic Association President Dr. P.T. Usha. Secretary (Sports) Hari Ranjan Rao and Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav also participated.
The officials unveiled the official contingent jersey in the presence of athletes and support staff. The ceremony marked India’s preparations for the upcoming Games in Japan.
Mandaviya said he had complete faith in the Indian contingent’s performance. He added that athletes’ success brought pride not only to them but also to the nation.
The Indian contingent has 503 members, including athletes and support staff. More than 300 athletes will make their first appearance at the Asian Games.
Mandaviya highlighted the presence of new talent in the contingent. He said the number of first-time athletes showed the growing depth of Indian sport.
The minister also referred to India’s performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. He said India had won 13 gold medals at the previous edition.
According to Mandaviya, India’s tally had improved by more than 35 per cent this time. He also highlighted the government’s use of open trials, independent observers and camera monitoring for selection.
He said the process aimed to ensure transparent and merit-based selection. Mandaviya wished the athletes and support staff success at the Asian Games.
Asian Games 2026 squad reflects India’s growing sports depth
Mandaviya urged athletes to view opponents as opportunities. He asked them to convert those opportunities into achievements and maintain confidence during competition.
The Union Sports Minister also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Indian sports. He said the government had opened new pathways for athletes to compete and succeed globally.
Mandaviya said India’s long-term target was the 2036 Olympics. He said the country needed to establish itself firmly on the global sports stage by then.
He described the goal as part of a 10-year plan. The government had allocated more than ₹36,000 crore to improve sports infrastructure, he said.
IOA President Dr. P.T. Usha said sporting journeys were measured by dreams as well as medals. She described representing India as both a responsibility and a privilege.
Usha also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Sports Ministry for their continued support. She said the support would remain important for Indian athletes.
The Asian Games 2026 will bring the Indian contingent together across multiple sporting disciplines in Japan. The squad includes athletes from different sporting backgrounds and a large group of newcomers.
More than 300 athletes making their Asian Games debut also underlined India’s expanding talent pool. The presence of young athletes added further depth to the national contingent.
Mandaviya’s message focused on confidence, preparation and competitive spirit. He urged the athletes to use pressure as motivation and treat strong opponents as opportunities to improve.
The send-off event also brought together senior sports officials, athletes and support staff ahead of the Games. The unveiling of the jersey formally marked the contingent’s journey towards the competition in Japan.
The Asian Games 2026 contingent will now prepare to represent India across multiple disciplines. The government and IOA have expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform strongly.
विजयी भव!
Asian Games 2026 में जा रहे हमारे चैंपियंस को पूरे देश की तरफ से ढेरों शुभकामनाएँ। pic.twitter.com/4EMnZd0k4l
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) September 8, 2026
