Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on March 5 chaired a high-level meeting at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) headquarters to review India’s preparations for the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, SAI, and other stakeholders briefed Dr. Mandaviya on the country’s readiness ahead of the event, ensuring that athletes receive every possible support to excel at the continental showpiece.
A 15-member committee constituted for Asian Games 2026 preparation review, which includes Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, PT Usha, President, Indian Olympic Association, Sahdev Yadav, Asian Games Chef de Mission, Sharath Kamal, Deputy Chef de Mission, and others, have already held four meetings since December 2025 to streamline planning across training, logistics, athlete welfare and competition readiness. The committee is overseeing the strategic roadmap for India’s campaign at the Games.
Speaking during the meeting,. Mansukh Mandaviya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to athlete welfare and performance. “Our athletes are our top priority. Every possible support, from training and sports science to logistics, kit support, food support and medical care, will be provided so that they can prepare without distractions and deliver their best at the Asian Games. Our aim is not to make them suffer at any cost and ensure they remain focused in increasing our medal tally at the competition.”
He also emphasised the need for coordinated efforts among all stakeholders, stating that structured preparation, strong support systems and timely planning would play a crucial role in helping India achieve new milestones at the 2026 Asian Games.
