Asian Games 2026: India’s medal record, medal-winning sports, and more
As the 2026 Asian Games approach, India is preparing to send 500 athletes to compete in Japan. The country aims to build on its record-breaking 107-medal haul from 2023 to bolster its global sporting reputation.
Why it matters
Success in international sporting events is increasingly used by nations as a tool for soft power and national branding.
As the 20th Asian Games approaches, Japan is set to welcome 15,000 athletes and team officials from 45 countries. India, too, will be sending around 500 athletes to compete in the Games, a win in which will do much to boost the country’s perception in the global stage ahead of its bid to host the 2036 Olympics.
Here is a look at how India has done so far, the sports disciplines that have given it the most medals, the established leaders in the Games, and when to catch the action for each sport.
India won 107 medals in 2023, the highest since it began participating in the Asian Games. This came after a drop in the medal haul after 1982, when India won 57 medals. Then, from 2010 onwards, India has beat its previous Games haul, except in 2014.
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