Pant highlights India's medal ambitions ahead of Asian Games 2026
New Delhi, September 18 – Rishabh Pant took to Instagram on Wednesday to voice his pride in India’s sporting prospects for the 2026 Asian Games. In a concise video clip, the cricketer expressed genuine enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament and called on citizens to rally behind the athletes.
“Watching the Asian Games fills me with excitement. Let’s give our athletes our full backing, cheer them vigorously and expect them to showcase their best,” Pant said. “Regardless of the outcomes, we must stand beside them, lift their spirits and provide unrelenting support.”
The Asian Games, organized by the Olympic Council of Asia, is Asia’s largest multi‑sport event, staged every four years. The 2026 edition will host participants from 45 nations across 43 sporting disciplines, marking the 20th edition and the third occasion Japan serves as host after Tokyo 1958 and Hiroshima 1994.
India aims to improve upon its record‑breaking performance at Hangzhou 2023, where the country secured 28 gold medals and a total of 107 medals. The nation enters as defending champion in men’s and women’s cricket, men’s kabaddi and men’s hockey. Badminton icon PV Sindhu will spearhead the shuttle‑sport contingent, while weightlifting champion Mirabai Chanu leads the lifters.
In shooting, two‑time Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker will be a key prospect, and wrestler Aman Sehrawat hopes to add to the medal tally. Boxer Lovlina Borgohain also targets a podium finish.
The athletics squad boasts more than 75 athletes, with Gulveer Singh, Tejaswin Shankar, Murali Srishankar, Jyoti Yadav and Parul Chaudhary identified as primary medal hopefuls. Shot put veteran Tejinderpal Singh, a two‑time Asian Games champion, will represent India in Aichi‑Nagoya.
Manu Bhaker and Tejinderpal Singh have been chosen as India’s flag bearers for the opening ceremony, symbolising the country’s confidence in its youthful talent pool. Pant’s appeal underscores the vital role of a united fan base in elevating morale and helping India secure a historic haul of medals.