Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended his best wishes to the Indian contingent competing at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, praising the athletes for their hard work, dedication and determination.
“As the Asian Games commence in Aichi-Nagoya, my best wishes to the Indian contingent. Each athlete has worked incredibly hard and shown remarkable dedication and determination. India is proud of them,” Modi said in a post on X. He also urged the athletes to give their best and shine at the Games.
As the Asian Games commence in Aichi-Nagoya, my best wishes to the Indian contingent. Each athlete has worked incredibly hard and shown remarkable dedication and determination. India is proud of them.
May they give their best, play well and shine! pic.twitter.com/FYokK9OTWK
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 19, 2026
The Asian Games officially opened in Nagoya on Saturday with a colourful ceremony, marking the start of competitions involving around 11,000 athletes from 45 nations across 43 sports, with 469 gold medals at stake. The Games will continue until October 4.
India has sent a 501-member contingent, led by double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and Hangzhou Asian Games gold medallist Pawan Sehrawat as flag-bearers.
Sehrawat replaced shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor after Toor did not receive his ceremonial kit in time.
India will aim to build on its record performance at the 2023 Hangzhou Games, where it won 106 medals, including 28 gold.
Several events had already begun before the opening ceremony. India’s women’s cricket team entered the semifinals after defeating Japan, while Quimcy D’Souza remained in contention for a teqball bronze medal.
