The 2026 Asian Games will take place from 19 September to 4 October in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Wednesday added 11 more names to the initial list of 492 athletes set to compete across 35 disciplines in the 20th edition of the Games.
The updated team now comprises 269 men and 234 women.
Athletics:
Harita Bhadra (F) – Women’s 200m
Kiran Pahal (F) – Women’s 400m
Asha Ilango (F) – Women’s Triple Jump
Sindhushree Ganesha (F) – Women’s Pole Vault
Sanya Yadav (F) – Women’s Discus Throw
Surfing:
Kamali Prakash (F) – Women’s Shortboard
Sugar Shanti Gayen (F) – Women’s Shortboard
With Indian athletes participating in surfing, it is worth noting that the sport will make its historic debut at the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to be held between 25 and 29 September 2026 at Akabane Long Beach in Tahara, Japan.
During the competition, athletes ride between 10 and 12 waves within a specified period, and rankings are calculated based on the combined score of their two best rides.
Judges also evaluate difficulty, creativity of manoeuvres, as well as speed, power, and overall dynamism.
Speaking of athletics, the sport will be held at two venues: Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium and Aichi Prefectural Government and Nagoya City Halls Loop Course.
In athletics, India has achieved the most medals so far: 85 golds, 102 silvers, and 96 bronzes, making a total of 283 medals. With these new names added, it is expected that India will return with even more medals from this prestigious event.
