# Preparations and athlete confidence for 2026 Asian Games

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/india-participation-in-2026-asian-games
> Updated: 2026-09-10T12:57:04.000Z. Sources: 39. Developments: 7.

As the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan (September 19 to October 4, 2026) approach, preparations for major delegations continue. Organizers plan to accommodate approximately 17,000 participants using hotels, wooden container buildings, and chartered vessels like the Costa Serena. India’s 503-member delegation, which includes over 300 first-time athletes, received a formal send-off in New Delhi. During the ceremony, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha and Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya expressed confidence in the athletes, citing strong government support and encouragement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as key drivers for team morale. Recent roster updates and squad announcements include: In athletics, a 77-member contingent featuring champions such as Tajinderpal Singh Toor and Avinash Sable will compete, though Neeraj Chopra has withdrawn due to injury. In combat sports, judo athletes like Commonwealth Games gold medalist Asmita Dey are focusing on ground fighting techniques to prepare for top-ranked Japanese opponents, while the wrestling squad, including Antim Panghal and Priya Malik, aims to improve upon previous bronze medal performances. The Fencing Association of India has selected a 20-member squad led by Olympian C. A. Bhavani Devi, who returns from a two-month ban, alongside Commonwealth medalists Taniksha Khatri, Prachi Lohan, and Karan Singh Gurjar. Regarding cricket, the BCCI confirmed squads led by Shreyas Iyer for the men and Harmanpreet Kaur for the women. While the BCCI noted that accommodation in Nagoya may not meet five-star standards, they expressed satisfaction that players will be provided with individual rooms. In the women’s squad, Pratika Rawal has been named to the 15-member roster, replacing Jemimah Rodrigues, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury. The women’s cricket tournament is scheduled for September 17 to September 22 at Korogi Sports Park, with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Japan having confirmed their squads.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: India announces fencing and women's cricket squads for 2026 Asian Games

India has announced its fencing and women's cricket contingents for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, featuring top athletes like Bhavani Devi and Harmanpreet Kaur.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-announces-fencing-and-womens-cricket-squads-for-2026-asian-games

### 2026-09-08: Indian contingent receives send-off for 2026 Asian Games

India's 503-member contingent for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan received a formal send-off in New Delhi, featuring star athletes in cricket, athletics, judo, and wrestling.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pci-president-anticipates-strong-indian-para-athlete-performance

### 2026-09-05: India announces 492-athlete contingent for 2026 Asian Games

India will send 492 athletes to the 2026 Asian Games under new top-six regional ranking criteria, while Riyadh prepares to host the 2026 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in December.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-announces-492-athlete-contingent-for-2026-asian-games

### 2026-09-02: Saudi Arabia announces 144 athletes for Nagoya 2026 Asian Games

Saudi Arabia will send 144 athletes to the Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, focusing on 11 priority sports and new elite performance standards to maximize medal opportunities.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saudi-arabia-announces-144-athletes-for-nagoya-2026-asian-games

### 2026-08-24: Asian Games 2026 preparations intensify in Japan

Preparations accelerate for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, featuring over 11,000 athletes. Nations like India, Nepal, and South Korea are finalizing squads and training for the multi-sport event.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/asian-games-2026-womens-cricket-preview-and-history

### 2026-08-22: India approves 492-member contingent for 2026 Asian Games

India's Sports Ministry has approved a 492-member contingent, including stars like Neeraj Chopra and Manu Bhaker, for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-approves-492-athlete-contingent-for-asian-games

### 2026-07-27: Gujarat to field record nine athletes for India's 2026 Asian Games

Gujarat will send a record nine athletes plus a reserve to the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, citing long‑term sports development under Modi and Chief Minister Patel.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gujarat-to-field-record-nine-athletes-for-indias-2026-asian-games

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Cite as: Preparations and athlete confidence for 2026 Asian Games. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/india-participation-in-2026-asian-games
