Asian Games 2026: Five Indian debutants who could make a big mark in Japan
Asian Games 2026: The Asian Games 2026 will give India another major opportunity to showcase its growing strength in sport. While established names such as PV Sindhu, Harmanpreet Singh, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Mirabai Chanu and Tajinderpal Singh Toor will be among the headline acts, a new group of athletes will also be looking to make their presence felt.
For several members of India's 499-strong contingent, the Games in Japan will be their first taste of the Asian Games. A strong performance here could become an important step towards bigger goals, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
India has seen many athletes use the Asian Games as a platform to announce themselves on the international stage. This edition could produce a few more names to remember.
Also Read | India women storm into Asian Games 2026 semifinals after 8-wicket win over Japan
Here are five Indian debutants worth keeping an eye on.
Ayush Shetty: Badminton
At just 21, Ayush Shetty has already shown that he is comfortable playing against some of the biggest names in badminton.
The youngster has won a bronze medal at the Thomas Cup and an Asian Championships silver. He also made headlines at the recent BWF World Championships after defeating then world No. 1 and defending champion Shi Yuqi.
His run at the Asian Championships was another indication of his ability to perform under pressure. Shetty defeated top-ranked opposition on his way to the silver medal, showing that he can challenge the best players on a big stage.
India have won the men's team badminton gold at the Asian Games only once. Shetty's ability to produce surprises could make him an important player as India looks for another historic title.
Rohit Yadav: Javelin Throw
With Neeraj Chopra not competing, much of the attention in the Indian javelin throw event will turn towards Rohit Yadav.
The 25-year-old has already shown that he can produce big throws. He crossed the 87-metre mark twice this season, with his best effort coming in August at the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver event in Bhubaneswar.
Rohit recorded 87.68m to win gold at the event.
The Asian javelin scene has become increasingly competitive, with athletes such as Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem and Sri Lanka's Rumesh Pathirage also making their mark. Rohit will therefore have a major challenge ahead of him on his Asian Games debut.
Sujeet Kalkal: Wrestling
Haryana has produced several of India's top wrestlers and Sujeet Kalkal is emerging as one of the promising names from the state.
The 23-year-old competes in the 65kg freestyle category and has already collected notable medals at the continental and age-group levels.
Sujeet won gold at this year's Asian Wrestling Championships in Bishkek. He also won an Under-23 gold last year and took an Under-20 bronze in 2022.
His Asian Games debut will provide him with a much bigger stage. A medal in Japan could give the young wrestler valuable experience and further establish him as one of India's names to watch in the years ahead.
Sakshi Chaudhary: Boxing
Indian boxing enjoyed a memorable run at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where the team secured a record 10 medals, including seven golds.
Sakshi Chaudhary was one of the gold medallists, winning the women's 51kg title.
The 26-year-old has also competed successfully on the international circuit. She has a World Boxing Cup gold medal in the 54kg category and won bronze at the 2021 Asian Boxing Championships.
After her Commonwealth Games success, Sakshi will now have another major opportunity in Japan. Her experience against international opposition could prove valuable as she makes her Asian Games debut.
Suruchi Phogat: Shooting
Suruchi Phogat has already built an impressive record despite being only 20 years old. The 10m air pistol shooter has won five ISSF World Cup gold medals. She was also part of India's silver-medal-winning team at last year's World Championships and won gold at the ISSF World Cup Final.
One of her standout performances came at the ISSF World Cup in Lima, where she defeated Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker to claim the gold medal.
Suruchi has therefore already shown that she can handle pressure against established competitors. Her Asian Games debut will be another opportunity to compete on a major international stage and add to her growing reputation.
- PTC NEWS
