GANDHINAGAR
Gujarat will send a record nine athletes and one reserve player to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan’s Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4, marking the state’s biggest participation in the continental event.
The selection shows Gujarat’s growing strength in sports after only three athletes represented the state at the 2014 Asian Games. The selected players include shooter Elavenil Valarivan, table tennis players Harmeet Desai, Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah, swimmer Aryan Nehra, tennis players Ankita Raina and Vaidehi Chaudhari, sprinter Devyani Zala and reserve tennis player Jil Desai.
Officials said the achievement reflects years of planning and investment in sports development across Gujarat. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi praised government efforts that created better opportunities for athletes through training programs and improved facilities. He said initiatives like Khel Mahakumbh and other schemes helped young players reach international levels and bring pride to the nation.
The state government is also working to build a strong sporting system as Gujarat prepares for future global events including the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The growing representation of athletes from shooting, table tennis, tennis, swimming, athletics and soft tennis shows Gujarat’s wider contribution to Indian sports beyond cricket.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will gather athletes from across Asia for a major multi-sport competition. Gujarat’s nine athletes are expected to carry the hopes of the state while competing against top performers from different countries. Their selection highlights the progress of Gujarat and its commitment to creating champions who can succeed on international stages. The upcoming event will provide a valuable platform globally.
