503-member Indian contingent for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan gets send-off in New Delhi
On 8 September 2026, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya gave a send-off in New Delhi to India's 503-member contingent for the 20th Asian Games at Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, and unveiled the official jersey.
Summary
India's contingent for the 2026 Asian Games received a send-off in New Delhi on 8 September 2026 in the presence of Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The minister, IOA President P.T. Usha, Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao and Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav unveiled the official contingent jersey. The 503-member contingent includes more than 300 athletes making their Asian Games debut. Mandaviya urged athletes to convert pressure into performance and said the government's 10-year plan to 2036 has more than ₹36,000 crore for sports infrastructure. The 20th Asian Games are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from 19 September to 4 October 2026, with 43 sports and 469 medal events; some competitions begin on 10 September.
Key facts
- Send-off
- 8 Sep 2026, New Delhi
- Contingent
- 503 members; 300+ Asian Games debutants
- Chef de Mission
- Sahdev Yadav
- Games
- 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
- Dates
- 19 Sep–4 Oct 2026 (competition from 10 Sep)
- Programme
- 43 sports, 71 disciplines, 469 medal events
Practice MCQs 4 questions
How many members are in India's contingent for the 2026 Asian Games, as announced at the 8 September 2026 send-off?
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Correct answer: D — 503
Sports Minister Mandaviya said a 503-member contingent is going to the Asian Games.
The 20th Asian Games in 2026 are being hosted by which city/region?
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Correct answer: B — Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
The 20th Asian Games are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Who is the Chef de Mission of the Indian contingent for the 2026 Asian Games?
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Correct answer: A — Sahdev Yadav
Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav joined the minister and IOA President P.T. Usha in unveiling the jersey; Hari Ranjan Rao is Sports Secretary.
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Asian Games: 1. The official opening ceremony is on 19 September 2026, but some competitions start on 10 September. 2. The programme has 43 sports and 469 medal events. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per Olympics.com: the Games officially run 19 September–4 October with action from 10 September, across 43 sports and 469 medal events.