India Intensifies Preparations for 2026 Asian Games, Mandaviya Reviews Progress

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a high-level review meeting on Thursday to assess India’s preparations for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026.

The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), where senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, SAI, and other stakeholders reviewed the country’s readiness for the continental sporting event. More than 700 Indian athletes are expected to compete across over 40 sports disciplines at the Games.

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A 15-member committee has been constituted to oversee preparations. The committee includes officials such as Hari Ranjan Rao, PT Usha, Sahdev Yadav and Sharath Kamal. Since December 2025, the panel has held four meetings to streamline planning related to training, logistics, athlete welfare and competition readiness.

During the review, Mandaviya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting athletes. He said every possible facility—including advanced training, sports science support, logistics, medical care, food, and equipment—would be provided to ensure athletes can focus fully on performance and aim to increase India’s medal tally.

The Minister also stressed the importance of coordination among all stakeholders to ensure structured preparation and effective planning. Special measures are being introduced to help athletes adapt to the Games’ unique five-cluster competition model, where events will be held across multiple prefectures rather than a single Olympic village.

To help athletes adjust, container-style accommodation units will be installed at SAI regional centres in Patiala and Bengaluru for simulation training. Officials are also working on early team finalisation, exposure tours, improved medical support and Indian food arrangements for athletes.

India aims to surpass its historic 106-medal haul at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022, with the next preparation review meeting scheduled for March 20.