The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games have officially concluded, with India finishing a commendable fourth in the medal standings.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony featuring a dazzling light and musical show, celebrating Japan's culture and hospitality. The event saw over 350 records broken, including 50 world records, and marked the official handover to Doha for the 2030 Games. India finished fourth in the medal tally with 85 medals.
India finished fourth with 85 medals at Aichi-Nagoya, down from 106 in Hangzhou, highlighting the challenge of sustaining progress on the road to 2036.
The Olympic Council of Asia defended the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games despite accommodation and transport complaints, saying mega multi-sport events always face challenges.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry and Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani are scheduled to visit the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games athletes' village on September 20. This visit follows the opening ceremony and will include a tour of the Garden Pier section and interaction with athletes. The Games feature a unique accommodation setup, utilising a cruise liner, temporary villas, and hotels instead of a traditional village. Various logistical and ceremonial details, including team welcome ceremonies and other official meetings, were also discussed.
Thirteen-year-old Yu Zidi's three golds and MVP award provided a golden highlight as the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games closed after a fortnight of logistical problems.
Indian Olympic Association president P T Usha has voiced strong objections to the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games organisers' decision to forgo a conventional Athletes Village, opting instead for dispersed accommodation including a cruise ship. Usha, a former Asian Games athlete, highlighted the importance of a centralised village for athlete interaction and expressed concerns about logistical challenges and venue distances. She believes the traditional village system will endure despite this experiment and shared her excitement for India's performance and future hosting ambitions.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are grappling with significant accommodation issues, including male and female athletes being allocated shared rooms and long waiting times for credential activation, forcing even the host Japan team to seek alternative arrangements.
Ambitious India out to match Hangzhou benchmark in Nagoya.
Indian golfer Pranavi Urs, who won a gold medal at the Asian Games, was presented with a cheque of Rs one crore by MP Anurag Thakur on behalf of the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) in recognition of her achievement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to interact with the Indian contingent from the recently-concluded Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Thursday. The event, taking place at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, will see the PM address the athletes, coaches, and sports officials. India secured 85 medals, finishing fourth, a lower tally than the 2023 Hangzhou edition's 106 medals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the Indian contingent for their commendable performance at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. He praised the athletes for their determination, passion, and sporting spirit, acknowledging their role in bringing immense joy to the nation. India secured fourth place with 85 medals, and Modi expressed hope that these Games would inspire future achievements and strengthen grassroots sports.
The Sports Ministry has approved the late inclusion of two Boccia athletes, Sachin Chamaria and Anjali Devi, into India's contingent for the Aichi-Nagoya Para Asian Games, bringing the total athlete count to 168. The overall contingent, including 113 officials, now stands at 281. This year's team is smaller than the previous Games due to the absence of certain disciplines and strict quota restrictions, particularly in para athletics. India aims to build on its record-breaking 108-medal haul from the last edition.
Haryana's athletes, who secured an impressive 32 medals including 14 gold at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, received a warm welcome from Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam. The minister and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini lauded their performance, highlighting the state's significant contribution to India's overall medal tally and its strong sporting culture.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang congratulated the Indian Women's hockey team for winning the gold medal at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, highlighting their determination and teamwork.
The Sports Ministry has removed para-shooting coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal from India's Para Asian Games contingent following allegations of kickbacks and protests from athletes. The contingent of 166 athletes and 109 support staff is set to compete in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, starting October 18, with several prominent Paralympians included despite selection controversies.
India-Pakistan clashes in cricket and hockey drew big audiences at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, helping fuel stronger viewership and a 20% revenue rise.
The Sports Ministry has rescheduled its review meeting with National Sports Federations to October 15 to discuss India's performance at the recently concluded Asian Games. The focus will be on the underwhelming show of experienced athletes in sports like badminton, shooting, and athletics, following a lower medal count compared to the previous edition.
Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra, recovering from an ankle injury sustained in August, expressed optimism about a strong comeback next year. He missed the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and Diamond League final due to the injury but is now feeling much better. Chopra also lauded the performance of young Indian javelin throwers at the Asian Games.
India's para track and field athletes delivered an outstanding performance at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games, securing a total of six medals, including three gold. Long jumper Nishad Kumar, javelin thrower Rinku, and visually impaired middle-distance runner Soumya each clinched gold in their respective events on the opening day of athletics competitions. This strong showing placed India second only to hosts Japan in the medal tally for the day.
India faces a challenging Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya with a significantly smaller contingent of 168 athletes, down from 303. While aiming to build on its record 111-medal haul from the last Games, selection disputes in para-shooting and para-cycling, coupled with reduced athlete numbers in key disciplines like para-athletics, pose hurdles. Despite these challenges, star athletes across para-athletics, archery, para-badminton, shooting, and table tennis are expected to lead India's medal charge.
Indian Army athletes achieved their best-ever medal haul at the recently concluded Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, securing 20 medals, including six gold, eight silver, and six bronze. This significant contribution accounted for nearly one-fourth of India's total 85 medals. Standout performers included Naib Subedar Neeru Dhanda in trap shooting and Naib Subedar Gulveer Singh in distance running, who also set a national record. The Army's increased representation and performance, particularly from women athletes, highlight the robust sporting ecosystem within the Indian Army.
Indian para-shooters staged a protest during the send-off ceremony for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games contingent, alleging widespread corruption, manipulation, and financial extortion in the selection process.
Former national-level taekwondo player Sachin Chamaria, who suffered a spinal injury in 2008, has transitioned to boccia and is now competing at the Para Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. He aims for a medal and hopes to raise awareness for the sport in India, having already made a winning start to his campaign.
Para-shooters protesting alleged corruption in the selection process for the Aichi-Nagoya Para Asian Games met Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. They accused the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) of relaxing norms to include unqualified shooters and sought an inquiry into financial irregularities. The Minister is deliberating a resolution.
Indian high jumper Sarvesh Kushare, fresh off a silver medal win at Aichi-Nagoya, credited support from SAI and the Athletics Federation of India for his success at the 2026 Asian Games.
India's Rinku clinched a gold medal in the men's javelin F46 event at the Asian Para Games, leading a one-two finish for the country as compatriot Ajeet Singh secured a silver. Rinku's throw of 65.11m narrowly beat Ajeet's 65.02m.
The Olympic Council of Asia has advised national bodies, including India, to limit their contingent sizes for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, due to the host nation's inability to accommodate more than 15,000 participants. This impacts support staff numbers, with India's contingent of 492 athletes requiring strict adherence to the 33% support staff cap. Organisers are implementing innovative accommodation solutions like container huts and a cruise ship.
Indian shooter Elavenil Valarivan secured two silver medals at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, winning an individual silver in the women's 10m air rifle event and contributing to a team silver. Her individual performance saw her finish closely behind Japan's Hinata Taichi, who set a new Asian Games record.
Suchika Tariyal has secured India's first-ever medal in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games by reaching the semifinals of the women's 60kg event. The veteran multi-discipline combat athlete defeated Mongolia's Altanchimeg Baigalmaa 2-0 and will compete in the semifinals on Monday, guaranteeing at least a bronze medal as MMA makes its Asian Games debut.
Kumkum Mohod, a 17-year-old from Amravati, has won India's first-ever women's individual recurve archery gold at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Her victory sparked celebrations in her hometown, with her family expressing immense pride and her father hoping for an Olympic gold. Kumkum also secured two other medals at the games.
The Olympic Council of Asia has signed a contract with Kuwait to host the inaugural Asian Esports and Mind Sports Games in 2027. This new continental event is expected to feature around 4,000 athletes, with discussions ongoing for the Philippines to host the second edition in 2029. Esports has evolved from a demonstration event to an official medal sport at the Asian Games, and this dedicated event offers Indian players more opportunities.
Kumkum Mohod from Amravati, Maharashtra, has won India's first-ever women's individual recurve archery gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Her family and community are overjoyed, and her father expresses confidence in her future Olympic aspirations.
The 20th Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, running from September 19 to October 4, will feature approximately 17,000 athletes from 45 countries competing in 469 medal events across 43 sports. Japan hosts for the third time, introducing new sports like mixed martial arts and virtual taekwondo, while also serving as a qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Indian athlete Parul Chaudhary expressed her satisfaction after winning two bronze medals at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, despite facing tough competition in both the 5000m and 3000m steeplechase events.
Pakistan volleyball captain Murad Jehan expressed frustration over logistical mismanagement at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games after his team was taken to the wrong venue, leaving them short on warm-up time and forcing players to change on the bus.
Indian badminton medallist H S Prannoy has strongly criticised the 2026 Asian Games organisers for a 'sad' event experience for athletes and a 'cruel' competition schedule for badminton, citing issues with accommodation and the lack of a dedicated athletes' village.
Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan congratulated the Indian women's cricket team for winning the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, praising their inspiring performance.
Indian trap shooter Neeru Dhanda, who secured two gold medals and a silver, served as India's flag-bearer at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, marking a historic campaign for the country.
Japan's 11-year-old esports prodigy Yuki Kurihara secured a gold medal in Puyo Puyo Champions at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, defeating South Korea's Kang Dong Shin 10-2.
