Football on table, wrestling without groundwork: Unusual sports India will play at Asiad
The upcoming Asian Games in Japan will feature several niche sports, including Teqball, which is making its debut. India is sending a large delegation to compete in these diverse disciplines alongside traditional sports.
Why it matters
The inclusion of non-traditional sports in major international events reflects the evolving landscape of global athletics and the diversification of national sports programs.
The Asian Games have always been more than a showcase of the sports that dominate television screens.From cricket and hockey to athletics, shooting, badminton and wrestling, some disciplines have a deep following in India. But Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will also put the spotlight on sports that remain largely unfamiliar to the country's mainstream sporting audience.The 20th edition of the Asian Games will be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4, with around 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions competing across 43 sports. India will be represented by 503 athletes across a wide range of disciplines.Some of those sports are familiar internationally but still developing a following in India.
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