ASIAN GAMES 2026: FIVE INDIAN DEBUTANTS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN JAPAN

New Delhi, Sep 19, 2026 : The 2026 Asian Games in Japan will feature some of India’s established sporting stars, including PV Sindhu, Harmanpreet Singh, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty, Mirabai Chanu and Tajinderpal Singh Toor.

At the same time, several athletes will make their Asian Games debut as part of India’s 499-member contingent, with strong performances potentially providing an important platform ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Here are five Indian athletes making their Asian Games debut who will be closely watched:

Ayush Shetty – Badminton:

At 21, Ayush Shetty is among India’s promising young badminton players. He has already won a bronze medal at the Thomas Cup and a silver at the Asian Championships.

Ayush has also made headlines with victories over some of the world’s leading players. At the recently held BWF World Championships, he defeated then world number one and defending champion Shi Yuqi.

His run at the Asian Championships included victories over defending champion and then world number one Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the semifinal and world number four Jonatan Christie in the quarterfinal.

His performances against top-ranked opponents make him one of India’s players to watch in the men’s badminton competition.

Rohit Yadav – Javelin Throw:

With Neeraj Chopra absent from the Asian Games, 25-year-old Rohit Yadav will make his debut in the javelin throw event.

Rohit has recorded two throws beyond 87 metres this season. His best came in August at the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver Meet in Bhubaneswar, where he recorded 87.68 metres to win gold.

With Asian javelin throwing continuing to produce strong performers, Rohit will look to make an impact on his continental debut.

Sujeet Kalkal – Wrestling:

Haryana’s 23-year-old freestyle wrestler Sujeet Kalkal is another debutant to watch.

Sujeet won the 65kg gold medal at the Asian Championships in Bishkek this year. He has also enjoyed success at the age-group level, winning an Under-23 gold last year and an Under-20 bronze in 2022.

The Asian Games will provide Sujeet with another major international platform as he continues to establish himself in the senior ranks.

Sakshi Chaudhary – Boxing:

Sakshi Chaudhary will enter the Asian Games after winning gold in the women’s 51kg category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where India’s boxing contingent secured a record 10 medals, including seven golds.

The 26-year-old is also a World Boxing Cup gold medallist in the 54kg category and won bronze at the 2021 Asian Boxing Championships in the same weight class.

She will be aiming to add another major multi-sport medal to her record.

Suruchi Phogat – Shooting:

At just 20, shooter Suruchi Phogat has already established herself on the international circuit.

The 10m air pistol shooter has won five ISSF World Cup gold medals, along with a team silver at the World Championships and a gold at the ISSF World Cup Final.

One of her notable victories came at the ISSF World Cup in Lima, where she defeated Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker to claim the gold medal.

Suruchi will now look to translate her international experience into success on her Asian Games debut.

The Asian Games will therefore provide an important platform for India’s emerging athletes, with their performances in Japan potentially shaping the next phase of their international careers ahead of Los Angeles 2028.