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India is set to begin its Asian Games 2026 campaign on September 17, with 508 athletes representing the country across multiple sporting disciplines. Athletics has the largest representation in the Indian contingent, followed by hockey, cricket and shooting.
India will be aiming to build on its impressive performance at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where the country won 106 medals, including 28 gold medals, and finished fourth in the overall medal standings.
The Indian men's and women's cricket teams will enter the competition as defending champions, while India's kabaddi team will also look to continue its strong record. Several individual athletes will be under the spotlight in archery, badminton, shooting, wrestling, weightlifting and athletics.
Here are 10 Indian athletes who could be among the major gold-medal contenders at the Asian Games 2026.
Jyothi Surekha Vennam: India's Top Compound Archery Gold Hope
Jyothi Surekha Vennam is one of India's strongest individual medal prospects in compound archery. She delivered an outstanding performance at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, winning three gold medals.
Her consistent performances at major international competitions have made her one of India's leading archers. Jyothi will be looking to continue her impressive Asian Games record in 2026.
Dhiraj Bommadevara: Indian Archery Star Eyes Asian Games Gold
Dhiraj Bommadevara has emerged as one of India's leading men's recurve archers. He made history by becoming the first Indian male archer to win an Archery World Cup title.
The 25-year-old also won gold at the 2026 Antalya World Cup. His recent international performances have made him one of India's key archery prospects heading into the Asian Games.
PV Sindhu: Can India's Badminton Star Win Asian Games Gold?
Two-time Olympic medallist and former world champion PV Sindhu will be one of India's biggest names in badminton at the Asian Games 2026.
Sindhu has won several major titles and medals during her career. An Asian Games gold medal would add another significant achievement to her already decorated record.
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Lakshya Sen: India's Badminton Gold Medal Hope at Asian Games
Lakshya Sen will be one of India's leading contenders in men's badminton singles. He won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and also played an important role in India's Thomas Cup triumph that year.
With considerable experience against top international players, Sen will aim to produce a strong performance and challenge for the gold medal in 2026.
Manu Bhaker: Olympic Medallist Eyes Asian Games Shooting Gold
Manu Bhaker will be one of the most closely watched Indian shooters at the Asian Games. She won two medals at the Paris Olympics and became the first Indian female athlete from independent India to win two medals at a single Olympic Games.
Her Olympic experience and international performances make her one of India's key shooting prospects as the country targets more success in 2026.
Mirabai Chanu: India's Weightlifting Star Targets Asian Games Gold
Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu will carry India's hopes in women's weightlifting.
The 32-year-old is set to compete in the 49kg category. Having already achieved success at the Olympic and international levels, Chanu will be looking to challenge for the top spot at the Asian Games.
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Sujeet Kalkal: Indian Wrestling Star Targets 65kg Gold Medal
Sujeet Kalkal will compete in the men's 65kg wrestling category and will be one of India's athletes to watch on the mat.
The Haryana wrestler has established himself in the weight class and has reached the top of the world rankings. He will aim to produce a strong performance and challenge for India's wrestling gold.
Aman Sehrawat: Olympic Medallist Eyes Wrestling Gold in 57kg
Aman Sehrawat will be another major Indian wrestling contender at the Asian Games 2026. He won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics and has continued to make his mark in the men's 57kg category.
With Olympic experience behind him, Sehrawat will look to challenge for the gold medal and add another major achievement to his career.
Esha Singh: World No. 1 Shooting Star Eyes Asian Games Gold
Esha Singh will enter the Asian Games as one of India's leading shooting prospects. The 21-year-old is ranked No. 1 in the world in women's 25m pistol and No. 2 in 10m air pistol.
She also enjoyed a successful campaign at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, winning two individual silver medals and a team gold medal.
With her current form and previous Asian Games experience, Esha will be one of India's key shooting athletes to watch in 2026.
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Avinash Sable: India's Athletics Star Targets Another Asian Games Gold
Avinash Sable will be one of India's leading medal contenders in athletics. The 3000m steeplechase specialist has previously won Asian Games gold and holds the Indian national record in the event.
After spending time away from competition due to injury, Sable returned to action and won the event at the Indian Athletics Series Final.
His successful comeback has added another experienced medal prospect to India's athletics contingent.
Asian Games 2026: India's 10 Biggest Gold Medal Contenders to Watch
India will enter the Asian Games 2026 with a combination of Olympic medallists, world-level competitors, experienced champions and emerging stars.
Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Dhiraj Bommadevara, PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Manu Bhaker, Mirabai Chanu, Sujeet Kalkal, Aman Sehrawat, Esha Singh and Avinash Sable will be among the Indian athletes attracting major attention.
As India's campaign begins on September 17, their performances will be closely followed as the country looks to build on its 106-medal haul from the 2022 Asian Games and make another strong mark at the continental event.
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