Asian Games 2026: 5 Sports That India Must Step Up Afte…

The 2026 Asian Games is one of the prestigious tournaments with top countries like China, Japan, South Korea will take part in it. 

It is a massive for the Indian contingent as Neeraj Chopra has withdrawn from the Asian Games 2026 due to a ligament tear.  After Neeraj Chopra withdrawal, there are various sports that Indian team must step up which would lead to India’s medal tally in this tournament. 

Here we look at the 5 sports that India must step up after Neeraj Chopra withdrawal in the 2026 Asian Games. 

1. Cricket 

Cricket will be a major sport that Indian contingent would depend on after the withdrawal of Neeraj Chopra. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, Indian team made it into the quarterfinals directly and would be hoping to defend the title that they won in 2022. Iyer and Co would look to create an impact and help team make sure that it will be a great occasion to retain the gold medal. 

Harmanpreet and Co would look to defend the gold medal they won in 2022. It would be a great occasion for Indian women’s team rise to occasion and help Indian team win the title again with great performances. 

2. Badminton 

Badminton has done decent job in Asian Games. In recent times the likes of Lakshya Sen looked out of touch losing in first or second round. Ayush Shetty and Lakshya Sen need to step up in the men’s singles while Sindhu and Unnati must play well which will be key for India’s chances to win medals in singles events. Satwik/Chirag must rise to the occasion in men’s doubles. They are currently the defending champions and play badminton against Asia’s best.

The men’s and women’s team event must step hoping to bring glory against top nations like China, South Korea, Japan. A total of 3 medals including 1 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze medal was won in the 2022 edition. 

3. Field Hockey 

Both Indian men’s and women’s hockey team must rise to the occasion. Under the leadership of Salima Tete, the Indian women’s team finished historic 5^th in FIH Women’s hockey World Cup after a gap of 52 years. They will be looking to perform well against Asia’s best and claim gold medal to qualify directly for the LA Olympics. 

Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Singh, India finished a disappointing 8^th in World Cup. They are currently the defending champions of Asia Games that they won during 2022 edition. Singh and Co must step up to the occasion to win the gold medal earning direct qualification for LA Olympics 2028. 

4. Boxing 

After a successful Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland where they won 10 medals including 7 golds and 3 silvers, the Indian contingent will be looking to produce the same magic in the 2026 Asian Games starting from 17^th September.

The men’s section includes Jadumani Singh in the 55 Kg, Sachin Swachh in the 60 KG, Sumit Kundu 70 Kg, Ankush Phangal 80 Kg, Kapil Pokhariya 90 KG, Narendra Berwal 90 + KG. 

The women’s section saw Preeti Pawar, Sakshi Chaudhary and Priya Ghangas winning the gold medal in the CWG 2026. Sakshi will take part in the 51 KG, Preeti Pawar in the 54 KG, Priya Ghanghas 60 KG, Parveen Hooda 65 Kg, Lovina Borgohain 75 Kg.  All these Indian boxers have a great chance to win medals against Asia’s best including China, North Korea, Uzbekistan, South Korea.

Preeti Pawar won bronze medal in the 54 KG during the 2022 edition while Lovina Borgohain won silver during 75 KG during same edition. 

5. Kabaddi 

Kabaddi will play a major role in India’s medal surge during the 2026 Asian Games. Both India men’s and women’s team won the title in 2022 edition and would look to step up in the absence of Neeraj Chopra withdrawal. 

The men’s team will face Japan on 21^st, South Korea on 22^nd, Bangladesh on 23^rd and against Chinese Taipei on 24^th September. Under the captaincy of Sunil Kumar, the Indian team is expected to reach the semi-finals and hope to reach the grand finale. 

It has combination of good raiders and defenders including Pawan Sherawat who can change the course of the game with his attacking skills.