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The Union Sports Ministry on Thursday conducted a detailed review of India’s performance at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, where the country finished with 85 medals, including 21 gold. The tally marked a clear drop from the 107 medals won at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, and this resulted in pointed discussions on underperforming disciplines, athlete fitness, and the need to build a deeper talent base ahead of future multi-sport events.
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The review discussed key athletes’ injuries, LA Olympics plans, and more. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya was present at the meeting, which was attended by Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president P.T. Usha, Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) CEO N.S. Johal, and representatives of various national sports federations.
Sports Ministry Asian Games review is out: Key athletes' injuries questioned, LA Olympics plans take shape
An official present at the discussions described the tone as largely constructive, with federations presenting their assessments while the ministry stressed that substantial financial support must translate into measurable results rather than just plans. India had invested more than Rs 700 crore over a three-year preparation cycle and sent a 501-member contingent to the hosting country.
Despite this, several key sports failed to match expectations, and it was questioned. For example, the Athletics, traditionally one of India’s stronger medal contributors, secured 24 medals but only one gold, down from six golds and a higher overall count in Hangzhou.
Badminton returned just a single bronze from the men’s team event. Defending men’s doubles champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty exited in the first round, with officials partly attributing the shortfall to a congested schedule that forced players into multiple matches within short intervals. Shooting also underperformed, particularly in pistol events, where double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker returned empty-handed.
Injury to key players questioned
Concerns about athlete readiness surfaced during the athletics presentation. IOA president P.T. Usha raised questions about injuries to hurdler Jyothi Yarraji and triple jumper Praveen Chithravel that became apparent during the Games. The fitness of steeplechase specialist Avinash Sable was also discussed after he withdrew from the 5000m, having finished fourth in the 3000m steeplechase. Sable had claimed gold and silver in the corresponding events three years earlier. Minister Mandaviya intervened to steer the conversation toward overall performance rather than individual cases, according to a report in PTI.
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Boxing emerged as one of the brighter spots, delivering an unprecedented three gold medals. Archery, both the men’s and women’s hockey teams, and women’s golf also contributed significantly to the medal haul. Remarkably, 11 of India’s 21 gold medals were won in the final two days of competition, underlining a late surge but also highlighting inconsistencies earlier in the Games.
Sports Minister urged the need to develop more talent: ‘How long will Mirabai Chanu alone keep winning medals’
Looking ahead, Mandaviya stated the urgent need to develop a broader pipeline of talent rather than relying on a handful of established stars. Referring to weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who won silver in Nagoya, the minister asked, as per PTI:
“How long will Mirabai Chanu alone keep winning medals for us? We need to produce 10 more Mirabai Chanus.”
Mandaviya called for greater integration of sports psychologists, sports science experts and mental trainers to help athletes maintain focus under pressure. Federations were urged to organise more competitive opportunities, strengthen preparation systems, and critically examine both performance and administrative shortcomings.
Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao set an ambitious long-term target, urging the sports ecosystem to aim for a top-three finish at the 2030 Asian Games in Doha. He also highlighted the importance of early preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which India is scheduled to host in Ahmedabad. He described the home event as a major national challenge that will test the country’s sporting infrastructure and systems.
Sports Minister urges NSFs to ensure steady flow of young talent
Sports Minister Mandaviya, in a press release issued by the Sports Ministry, stated that he has urged NSFs to ensure the steady flow of young talent for a better future in sports in the country. He has also urged them to find the talent and provide them with the right training and “ create an environment in which athletes can progress to the highest level.” In addition to this, he has asked the NSFs to provide more competitions, focus on the athletes’ preparations, and work on dedicated commitment with honesty. Mandaviya wants the addition of more sports psychologists, sports science experts, and high-performance mental trainers to train the athletes for the major international events and tournaments.
Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao aims to finish among the top three at 2030 Commonwealth Games
Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao has stated that he is hoping and aiming for the country to finish among the top three at the 2030 Asian Games in Doha. He also urged everyone that the 2030 Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held in the country in Ahmedabad should be looked at as a major challenge. As per a report in PTI, he said:
"Since we are hosting the Games, every NSF must take the competition seriously and prepare accordingly. We must treat this as a challenge and work towards it from now.”
The review comes at a pivotal moment as Indian sport shifts focus toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
ALSO READ: Asian Games 2026: India's best male & female athletes announced; receive inaugural Jaspal Rana, Raja Randhir Singh IOA awards
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