NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended his best wishes to the Indian contingent as the 20th Asian Games officially opened in Aichi-Nagoya, urging the athletes to give their best and shine as India begins its medal campaign in earnest from Sunday.“As the Asian Games commence in Aichi-Nagoya, my best wishes to the Indian contingent. Each athlete has worked incredibly hard and shown remarkable dedication and determination. India is proud of them,” PM Modi said in a post on X.“May they give their best, play well and shine!” he added.The message came as the continental sporting extravaganza formally got underway at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, with Japan’s Emperor Naruhito declaring the Games open. The Asian Games will continue until October 4, with around 11,000 athletes from 45 nations competing across 43 sports.
Bhaker, Sehrawat lead India at opening ceremony
For India, Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat led the contingent into the stadium, carrying the Tricolour at the opening ceremony.Bhaker, a double Olympic medallist from Paris 2024, will compete in the women’s 10m air pistol, 25m pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team events. Sehrawat was part of India’s gold-medal-winning men’s kabaddi side at the previous Asian Games.Reflecting on her selection as flag-bearer, Bhaker spoke about the emotions triggered by the honour and how it reminded her of her journey in sport.“Honestly, when I found out yesterday, I had all these flashback memories of my earlier days. And, you know, when I started, I never thought that this was where I could reach one day in my sport. So, it is definitely a very heartwarming feeling. I feel really proud, really honoured, and really, really happy to be chosen as the flag bearer for my country. I just want to say thank you to God and thank you to everyone for all the love and support,” she said.
India begins medal charge from Sunday
With the ceremonial opening now complete, the focus turns to competition, with Indian athletes beginning their push for medals from Sunday.India will look to build on its record medal haul at the previous edition in Hangzhou, where it won 106 medals, including 28 gold, 38 silver and 40 bronze.Several established names will headline India’s campaign, including PV Sindhu in badminton, Mirabai Chanu in weightlifting, Lovlina Borgohain in boxing and Aman Sehrawat in wrestling. In athletics, Gulveer Singh, Tejaswin Shankar, Murali Sreeshankar, Jyothi Yarraji and Parul Chaudhary are among the leading contenders, while Tajinderpal Singh Toor will seek a third successive Asian Games gold in the men’s shot put.India are also defending champions in men’s and women’s cricket and kabaddi, while the men’s hockey side will look to retain its title.
