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The Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, will be a major milestone for India’s athletes as they build towards the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 and the home Commonwealth Games in 2030. Since the continental event began in 1951, it has provided a platform for established champions and emerging competitors to strengthen their standing in international sport.

With expectations rising across India’s developing sporting system, several athletes and teams enter the competition as strong medal contenders.

Esha Singh — Shooting

Esha Singh heads into the Asian Games in impressive form. She is ranked number one in women’s 25 m pistol and world number two in women’s 10 m air pistol. This year, she won the women’s 25 m pistol gold medals at the ISSF World Cups in Munich and Hangzhou.

Her performance in Munich included a world-record score of 43/50 in the final, highlighting her ability to deliver under pressure. At the Asian Championships in the national capital, Esha won gold in the women’s 10 m air pistol and silver in the 25 m pistol singles event. She also formed part of the gold-winning 25 m pistol team alongside Manu Bhaker and Rhythm Sangwan.

She added another gold in the 10 m air pistol team event with Manu Bhaker and Suruchi Phogat. A 2023 World Championships gold medallist in mixed team events and a two-time silver medallist at the World Championships, Esha is among India’s strongest shooting medal hopes.

Mirabai Chanu — Weightlifting

Mirabai Chanu will be seeking her first Asian Games medal to complete an already distinguished record. The veteran weightlifter has won multiple Commonwealth Games gold medals, an Olympic silver at Tokyo 2021 and several World Championships medals, including the 48 kg gold in 2017.

Her 48 kg gold at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow has given her further momentum as she targets an Asian Games title.

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty — Badminton

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have regained strong form after a period affected by intense competition and injuries. The pair won the Singapore Open and China Masters titles this year and finished runners-up in Thailand.

They created history by defeating South Korea’s Choi Sol-gyu and Kim Won-ho in the final to secure India’s first-ever badminton gold at the Asian Games. Their return to peak form makes them among the most prominent medal contenders for the 2026 edition.

Indian men’s cricket team

Led by Shreyas Iyer, the Indian men’s cricket team enters the tournament as a leading gold-medal favourite. India has won back-to-back T20 World Cups and successfully defended the title at home this year, while its T20I performances since the drought-ending triumph in 2024 have largely been dominant.

The line-up features 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, record-breaking centurion Abhishek Sharma, in-form Ishan Kishan and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Together, they form a formidable core for India’s campaign.

Indian men’s hockey team

India’s eighth-place finish at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup does not diminish its record in the Asian Games, where the men’s team has missed the podium only once. The side has an opportunity to successfully defend its gold medal for the first time.

Another Asian Games title would also secure direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, giving the team an additional incentive in Aichi-Nagoya.

Lovlina Borgohain — Boxing

At 28, Lovlina Borgohain has already collected medals at major international events, including an Olympic bronze, an Asian Games silver, a silver at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow and multiple World Championships medals. Her World Championships record includes a gold in 2023.

Although boxing remains unpredictable, Lovlina’s performance in major competitions and her extensive medal record make her a strong candidate for the podium.

Tajinderpal Singh Toor — Shot Put

Tajinderpal Singh Toor has won gold at the 2018 and 2022 editions of the Asian Games. A third consecutive title in 2026 would further enhance his legacy.

The national record holder has already established himself at the Asian level, while another medal could provide an important boost before the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.

Gurindervir Singh — Athletics

Gurindervir Singh holds the men’s 100 m national record at 10.09 seconds and has already drawn comparisons with the late Milkha Singh, known as the ‘Flying Sikh’ and an athletics legend.

He missed the medal rounds at the Commonwealth Games despite clocking 10.39 seconds, having dealt with an injury before the competition. However, the Punjab sprinter remains a contender for the Asian Games, with setbacks adding to the interest around his progress.

Gurindervir is also expected to face strong competition from compatriot Animesh Kujur. The two athletes have spent considerable time training and competing together while also exchanging national records.

Sujeet Kalkal — Wrestling

Haryana has a long tradition of producing leading wrestlers, and 23-year-old Sujeet Kalkal is emerging as one of the state’s promising representatives. He won the 65 kg gold medal at this year’s Asian Championships in Bishkek.

Sujeet has also succeeded at age-group level, winning an under-23 gold last year and an under-20 bronze in 2022. His performances suggest that the Asian Games could become an important step in his progression.

Anahat Singh — Squash

Teenager Anahat Singh has developed into one of India’s most exciting squash players. A two-time bronze medallist at the 2022 Asian Games, she is currently enjoying an impressive run.

In July, Anahat won the women’s singles title at the World Squash Junior Championships. She has also claimed PSA World Tour titles, including the Squash on Fire Open, her first PSA bronze-level title, where she defeated then Commonwealth Games champion Georgina Kennedy in the final. She went on to win the JSW Indian Open this year.

 

A member of the historic Squash World Cup-winning Indian team from last year, Anahat has reached a career-high world ranking of 17. Her campaign in Aichi-Nagoya will attract attention both because of her medal potential and because squash is set to make its Olympic debut at LA2028.