Sumit Nagal, Yuki Bhambri and Ankita Raina Headline India’s Tennis Squad for Asian Games 2026

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has officially announced India’s tennis contingent for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, naming a balanced squad featuring experienced internationals and emerging young talent.

Leading the men’s team are Sumit Nagal and doubles specialist Yuki Bhambri, while the women’s squad includes seasoned campaigners Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare alongside several rising stars. The selections underline AITA’s strategy of combining proven performers with players who have impressed on the professional circuit through their recent form and rankings.

With tennis traditionally contributing medals for India at the Asian Games, expectations will once again be high as the country prepares for one of the biggest multi-sport events in Asia.

India’s top singles hope will once again be Sumit Nagal, who has established himself as the country’s leading men’s singles player through consistent performances on the ATP Tour. Known for his aggressive baseline game and fighting spirit, Nagal is expected to play a central role in India’s campaign, particularly in the singles event where he will aim to challenge some of Asia’s strongest competitors.

Joining him in the men’s squad is Manas Dhamne, one of India’s most promising young talents, whose inclusion reflects the federation’s confidence in his long-term potential. Also selected are Dhakshineswar Suresh, Yuki Bhambri, N. Sriram Balaji, and Anirudh Chandrasekar, creating a squad with considerable depth across singles and doubles disciplines.

The presence of experienced doubles specialists Bhambri, Balaji and Chandrasekar provides India with multiple combinations capable of competing for medals.

The women’s squad is equally balanced, featuring a mix of established names and players who have steadily climbed the professional ranks. 

Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaishnavi Adkar, Vaidehee Chaudhari, Rutuja Bhosale, Ankita Raina, and Prarthana Thombare have all earned selection for the Games. Among them, Ankita Raina brings significant international experience and has consistently represented India in major competitions over the past decade. Her versatility across singles and doubles could prove particularly valuable in a tournament where multiple medal opportunities are available.

Prarthana Thombare’s expertise in doubles also strengthens India’s prospects, while younger players such as Sahaja Yamalapalli and Vaishnavi Adkar will view the Asian Games as an opportunity to establish themselves on a major continental stage.

AITA has also identified reserve players who can step in if required before the competition begins.

The men’s reserve list includes Karan Singh, Rithvik Bollipalli, and Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha, while Zeel Desai and Shruti Ahlawat have been named as reserves for the women’s squad.

Maintaining a pool of reserve players ensures India remains prepared for any unforeseen withdrawals or injuries in the lead-up to the Games.

Men’s Squad for Aichi-Nagoya 2026

India’s selected men’s team consists of:

• Sumit Nagal

• Manas Dhamne

• Dhakshineswar Suresh

• Yuki Bhambri

• N. Sriram Balaji

• Anirudh Chandrasekar

Reserves:

• Karan Singh

• Rithvik Bollipalli

• Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha

The combination of ATP singles competitors and accomplished doubles specialists provides selectors with flexibility across different formats.

Women’s Squad for Aichi-Nagoya 2026

The women’s team comprises:

• Sahaja Yamalapalli

• Vaishnavi Adkar

• Vaidehee Chaudhari

• Rutuja Bhosale

• Ankita Raina

• Prarthana Thombare

Reserves:

• Zeel Desai

• Shruti Ahlawat

The squad reflects a careful balance between experienced campaigners and emerging players capable of making an impact on the continental stage.

India has enjoyed memorable success in tennis at previous editions of the Asian Games, with legends such as Leander Paes, Sania Mirza, Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna delivering medals across singles, doubles and mixed doubles events. The 2026 squad will be eager to continue that tradition and add to India’s strong record in continental competition.

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Doubles and mixed doubles have often been India’s strongest medal opportunities, making the inclusion of specialists like Yuki Bhambri, N. Sriram Balaji, Anirudh Chandrasekar and Prarthana Thombare particularly significant.

At the same time, Sumit Nagal and Ankita Raina will be expected to lead the charge in singles competition while also contributing in team events where required.

According to the AITA selection committee, the squad has been chosen after evaluating current form, international rankings and long-term potential, with the objective of assembling a team capable of competing with Asia’s best.

The blend of youth and experience offers optimism that India can mount strong challenges across multiple events and continue its proud history at the Asian Games.

As preparations intensify for Aichi-Nagoya, attention will now shift to final training blocks and potential doubles pairings. With proven performers, promising youngsters and a deep reserve bench, India heads into the 2026 Asian Games aiming to once again leave its mark on the continental tennis stage.