Packed calendar, continental Games, and Olympic pathways define a pivotal year ahead
CHENNAI
In sports, there is rarely a pause, and 2026 promises to be relentlessly action-packed for India. From marquee global tournaments to crucial continental Games, the year ahead will test depth, planning and ambition across disciplines. With the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games scheduled within the next 10 months, Indian sport enters a decisive phase that could shape preparations for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
The year begins at full throttle with the Hockey India League, India Open badminton, the Men’s T20 World Cup and the IPL, before seamlessly transitioning into football’s grandest spectacle — the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Add to that the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Asian Games in Nagoya, badminton World Championships, Formula 1, tennis Grand Slams and domestic leagues, and fans will barely have time to breathe.
For India, the Asian and Commonwealth Games carry special weight. The sports ministry, in consultation with the Indian Olympic Association, has decided to send a full-strength contingent to the Asian Games, recognising medal opportunities in both Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines. The truncated Commonwealth Games, featuring just 10 sports, will still offer India strong medal prospects in weightlifting, boxing, athletics, lawn bowls and judo — areas where the country has consistently delivered.
Shooting is expected to be one of India’s biggest medal earners. NRAI officials are targeting at least one medal in every Asian Games event, using 2026 as a crucial stepping stone toward LA 2028. Athletics, too, aims to consolidate continental supremacy, with focus on javelin throw and relay events, while expanding competitiveness across sprints, middle-distance and combined events.
Wrestling looks to rebound after a difficult 2025, with long national camps, foreign coaches and the revival of the Pro Wrestling League providing continuity. Badminton and boxing face their own challenges — rebuilding depth in the former and ensuring consistency, especially in men’s boxing, in the latter. Archery, buoyed by sustained international success, enters the Asian Games with high expectations, particularly in compound events.
Beyond medals, 2026 will be about systems, maturity and honest assessment. With multiple federations aligning calendars, refining selection policies and strengthening high-performance programmes, the year could define India’s sporting trajectory well beyond the immediate podium finishes.
India in 2026: At a Glance
- Big Events: Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, FIFA World Cup
- Key Medal Sports: Shooting, athletics, wrestling, boxing, archery
- Strategic Goal: Build momentum toward LA 2028
- Domestic Boost: Leagues and trials shaping elite depth
- Expectation: Strong continental showing, smarter Olympic pathway