‘Best wishes’: Neeraj Chopra backs Team India as 2026 Asian Games begin

NEW DELHI: Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra on Saturday sent his best wishes to the Indian contingent as the 20th Asian Games officially began in Japan’s Aichi-Nagoya, expressing confidence that the athletes will make the country proud.Chopra, who will miss the continental showpiece after an ankle injury ended the 2026 season, took to the X to send his message to the Indian athletes as the Games began with a colorful opening ceremony.“All the best to Team India for the 2026 Asian Games! I am sure they will make us all proud.”The Asian Games are being held from September 19 to October 4, with India competing in several events as they look to build on their record medal haul from the previous edition.

Chopra is missing the Games but is supporting the Indian contingent

Two-time Asian Games gold medallist, Chopra won the javelin gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics followed by silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics. His absence is significant for India’s athletics campaign after the 28-year-old injured ankle ligaments during training.While Chopra will not be able to defend his title at the Asian Games, his news came as the Indian contingent began its campaign in Aichi-Nagoya.Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat led the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony on Saturday. Bhaker, a two-time bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics, will compete in the mixed team events of women’s 10m air pistol, women’s 25m pistol and 10m air pistol.Before the ceremony, Bhaker also considered being chosen as the flag bearer.“Honestly, when I found out yesterday, it brought back all these memories of my earlier days. And you know, when I started, I never thought that this is where I could make it one day in my sport. So it’s definitely a very warm feeling. I feel really proud, really honored and really, really happy to be chosen to be the flag bearer for my country,” she told everyone for the love and thank God and thank you all.READ ALSO: How India’s Asian Games medal story has changed over two decades

India are looking to build on a record-breaking Asian Games campaign

The opening ceremony at the Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium formally marked the start of the Games, with Japan’s Emperor Naruhito declaring the event open.The parade of athletes featured contingents from 45 countries and the OCA Refugee Team. Sehrawat replaced flag bearer Tajinderpal Singh Toor as India’s flag bearer after Toor did not receive the ceremonial kit on time.India is aiming to better its best ever performance at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where it won 106 medals, including 28 gold, 38 silver and 40 bronze.Some competitions started even before the opening ceremony. The Indian women’s cricket team reached the semi-finals after beating hosts Japan by eight wickets, while Quimcy D’Souza remained in contention for the teqball bronze after losing the women’s singles semi-final.Around 11,000 athletes will compete in 43 sports for 469 gold medals at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, with the closing ceremony scheduled for October 4.