Asian Games 2026: Key Indian players to watch out for
This article previews India's prospects for the 2026 Asian Games, highlighting key athletes like PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu, and Manu Bhaker. Despite the absence of Neeraj Chopra due to injury, the team remains focused on building upon their record-breaking performance from the 2023 Hangzhou games.
Why it matters
It provides insight into the competitive landscape of Indian sports and the high expectations placed on national athletes in international arenas.
As the 20th Asian Games begins, India would be looking for yet another scintillating performance after its record-breaking streak in at the last event at Hangzhou 2023 where it secured 107 medals, including 28 gold. However, this year’s medal prospects took a beating with Neeraj Chopra, who led India’s 1-2 finish in the men’s Javelin thrower event in Hangzhou, was ruled out following an injury.
Nevertheless, the Indian contingent features other notable names, including Olympic medalists PV Sindhu and Manu Bhaker. Apart from individual athletes, Indian cricket and hockey teams would be also entering the arena, hoping to increase the medal tally.
India’s PV Sindhu plays at the 19th Asian Games, in Hangzhou, China, in 2023.
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