Manipur CM Khemchand wishes 36 athletes, 3 coaches at 20th Asian Games in Japan
Synopsis
Manipur is sending 36 athletes and 3 coaches to the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan — the state's largest-ever multi-sport contingent at this level. CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh, a Taekwondo practitioner himself, personally wished them ahead of the Games, which run from 19 September to 4 October 2026 and feature 45 countries across 469 medal events.
Key Takeaways
Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh extended best wishes to 36 sportspersons and 3 coaches representing India at the 20th Asian Games on 19 September 2026 .
Athletes are competing across 10 disciplines including Sepaktakraw, Canoeing and Kayaking, Boxing, Weightlifting, Wushu, Hockey, Fencing, Cycling, Rowing, and Judo.
The largest single group is 12 athletes in Sepaktakraw , followed by 6 in Canoeing and Kayaking .
The 20th Asian Games runs from 19 September to 4 October 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan , featuring 45 countries across 469 medal events .
Japan is hosting the Asian Games for the third time , after Tokyo ( 1958 ) and Hiroshima ( 1994 ).
More than 500 Indian athletes are competing across 37 sports at these Games.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday, 19 September 2026, extended his best wishes to 36 sportspersons and three coaches from the state who are part of the Indian contingent at the 20th Asian Games, being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Games, which kicked off on Saturday, run through 4 October 2026.
Manipur's Contingent at the 20th Asian Games
According to officials from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Manipur's 36 athletes are competing across 10 disciplines: Sepaktakraw (12 athletes), Canoeing and Kayaking (6), Cycling (3), Fencing (3), Weightlifting (3), Wushu (3), Hockey (3), Boxing (1), Rowing (1), and Judo (1). The state's presence across such a diverse range of sports underscores Manipur's long-standing reputation as one of India's most productive nurseries of sporting talent.
CM's Message to the Athletes
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh, himself a lifelong Taekwondo practitioner, congratulated all the sportspersons and coaches on earning the opportunity to represent India on one of Asia's largest multi-sport stages. In a social media post, he said: 'I encourage our sportspersons to compete with confidence, discipline and determination, and to give their very best in their respective events. My best wishes for a successful and memorable Asian Games. May they make Manipur and the nation proud.'
The CM urged the contingent to carry the state's sporting legacy with them as they compete against athletes from across the continent.
Scale and Significance of the 20th Asian Games
The 20th Asian Games features athletes from 45 countries and regions competing across 43 sports and 469 medal events. More than 500 Indian athletes are participating across 37 sports in this edition. Japan is hosting the Games for the third time, having previously done so in Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994. The Aichi-Nagoya edition is considered one of the most expansive in the tournament's history.
Manipur's Sporting Pedigree
Manipur has consistently punched above its weight in Indian sport, producing a disproportionate number of national and international medallists relative to its population. The state's dominance in combat sports and martial disciplines is well established, with athletes such as boxer Mary Kom having put Manipur on the global map. The state government has in recent years increased its investment in grassroots sports infrastructure, with this Asian Games contingent reflecting those efforts. Notably, Sepaktakraw — a sport in which Manipur has historically been strong — accounts for the single largest share of the state's representation at these Games.
What to Watch
With the Games running until 4 October 2026, all eyes will be on Manipur's Sepaktakraw team and its Canoeing and Kayaking contingent for potential medal opportunities. The state's fans and officials will be tracking progress closely as competition unfolds across the venues in Aichi-Nagoya.
Point of View
But the composition of Manipur's contingent tells a more substantive story: 36 athletes across 10 disciplines in a state of under three million people is a remarkable concentration of elite sporting talent. Sepaktakraw's dominance in the list also signals that niche, under-televised disciplines — not just boxing or hockey — are where the Northeast's medal pipeline is being built. Whether the Centre and the state convert this Games performance into sustained infrastructure investment, rather than one-time felicitation, will be the real measure of intent.
NationPress
19 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many athletes from Manipur are competing at the 20th Asian Games?
A total of 36 athletes and 3 coaches from Manipur are part of the Indian contingent at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. They are competing across 10 sports including Sepaktakraw, Boxing, Hockey, and Weightlifting.
Where and when are the 2026 Asian Games being held?
The 20th Asian Games are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from 19 September to 4 October 2026. Japan is hosting the Games for the third time, having previously staged them in Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994.
Which sports are Manipur athletes competing in at the Asian Games?
Manipur's contingent is competing in Sepaktakraw (12 athletes), Canoeing and Kayaking (6), Cycling (3), Fencing (3), Weightlifting (3), Wushu (3), Hockey (3), Boxing (1), Rowing (1), and Judo (1).
What did Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh say to the athletes?
CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh, in a social media post, said: 'I encourage our sportspersons to compete with confidence, discipline and determination, and to give their very best in their respective events. May they make Manipur and the nation proud.' He congratulated all athletes and coaches on earning the chance to represent India.
How big is India's overall contingent at the 20th Asian Games?
More than 500 Indian athletes are competing across 37 sports at the 20th Asian Games. The tournament overall features athletes from 45 countries and regions contesting 469 medal events across 43 sports.
