The Asian Games 2026 began with a grand opening ceremony on Saturday at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagayo. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wished the Indian team well and expressed hope for the best performance from them.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on the social media platform
Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker and Kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat led the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony.
This is Asia's biggest sports competition, which is organized once every four years. They are organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), in which 45 countries participate.
The Asian Games were first held in New Delhi in 1951, in which 489 athletes from 11 countries participated. Since then, these games have been held a total of 19 times. Athletes from 45 countries and territories will compete in 43 sports at the Asian Games 2026.
This will be the 20th edition of the Games and the third time Japan will host the continental competition after Tokyo 1958 and Hiroshima 1994.
India made a historic performance in the Asian Games 2023 by winning 107 medals, of which 28 were gold medals. The Indian team would like to improve its performance further this time.
India are the defending champions in both men's and women's cricket and Kabaddi, while the men's hockey team is also participating as the defending champions.