Olympic javelin champion
Writing on the platform X, Chopra offered his encouragement to the athletes representing the country in Nagoya and Aichi. The continental multi-sport event, which officially commenced on September 19 and runs through October 4, sees India fielding a significant squad of 503 athletes competing across 36 different disciplines.
Flag-bearers lead India at opening ceremony
The formal commencement of the 20th Asian Games took place at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium, where double Olympic medallist
For Bhaker, the honour of carrying the flag follows her performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she became the first athlete from independent India to secure two medals in a single edition of the Games. Reflecting on her selection as a flag-bearer, Bhaker described the experience as deeply moving, noting that it prompted reflections on her journey from her early days in shooting to her current status on the international stage.
Bhaker is set to compete in multiple events in Japan, including the women's 10m air pistol, the women's 25m pistol, and the 10m air pistol mixed team. She is joined by Sehrawat, who previously contributed to India's gold-medal-winning effort in men's kabaddi at the last Asian Games.
Building on past success
The Indian team enters the 2026 edition with the goal of surpassing their performance at the 2022 Asian Games, where the nation achieved a total of 107 medals, consisting of 28 gold, 38 silver, and 41 bronze. While Chopra, a Tokyo 2020 gold medallist and Paris 2024 silver medallist, remains a notable absence from the field, his message of support underscores the collective ambition of the Indian squad as they begin their campaign in Japan.
