Mandaviya praises Indian diaspora's support for athletes at Asian Games 2026
Synopsis
With 503 Indian athletes competing in Nagoya, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya joined the Indian diaspora's 'Sundays on Cycle' event — a community-led show of solidarity that underlines how overseas Indians have become an organised cheering force at major Games. On the field, a historic teqball medal and a cricket semi-final make Sunday a pivotal day for India.
Key Takeaways
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya praised the Indian diaspora in Japan for supporting athletes at the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya .
The diaspora organised a 'Sundays on Cycle' event on 20 September 2026 to cheer the Indian contingent.
India has sent a 503-member contingent to compete across multiple disciplines at the Games.
The Harmanpreet Kaur -led women's cricket team, defending champions, face Bangladesh in the semi-final, with at least a silver assured.
Teqball star Quimcy Dsouza is bidding for India's first-ever teqball medal in both women's singles and mixed doubles.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday, 20 September 2026 praised the Indian diaspora in Japan for their wholehearted support of the country's athletes competing at the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya. The minister highlighted the community's role as a source of encouragement and logistical strength for India's 503-member contingent at the ongoing Games.
Diaspora Organises 'Sundays on Cycle' Event
Mandaviya joined members of the Indian community in Nagoya for a special 'Sundays on Cycle' event, organised by the diaspora to cheer on the Indian contingent. The event brought together Indian volunteers and community members ahead of key sporting action at the Asian Games 2026.
'The Asian Games have started in Nagoya, Japan, and 503 youths from India have come to participate in the Games. Today, India's Diaspora has organised a Sunday on Cycling event in Nagoya. I am happy that our contingent is performing well, and our Diaspora is encouraging them,' Mandaviya said.
Minister on Diaspora as a National Strength
Speaking further about the Indian community's contribution, Mandaviya said the diaspora has consistently stood by India wherever needed. 'Naturally, the Diaspora is a strength in our country. Wherever the Indian people are in need, our Diaspora is always there to support them. In Nagoya, the Diaspora has made all the arrangements to encourage our Indian athletes. Many youths are working as volunteers. This is the specialty of India,' he added.
Mandaviya noted that the active participation of volunteers from the Indian community in Japan reflects the enduring bond between the diaspora and India's sporting contingent on the international stage.
Key Sporting Action on Sunday
The 20 September schedule at the Asian Games 2026 features several high-stakes events for India. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led women's cricket team — the defending champions — face Bangladesh in the second semi-final, with both sides guaranteed at least a silver medal regardless of the result. Shooters including Elavenil Valarivan are also in action.
In what could be a historic moment, teqball star Quimcy Dsouza competes in both the women's singles bronze match and the mixed doubles alongside Mohamed Anas Beg, with India yet to win a teqball medal at the Asian Games. A podium finish by Dsouza would mark a first for the country in the sport.
India's Broader Campaign in Nagoya
India's 503-strong contingent is competing across multiple disciplines at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, with medal opportunities spread across cricket, shooting, and emerging sports like teqball. The combination of diaspora support and on-field momentum reflects a broader national investment in the country's sporting identity abroad. With several events still to unfold, the Indian contingent's medal haul remains a closely watched tally.
Point of View
A potential historic teqball medal, and shooters in contention, India's performance in Nagoya will be the real measure of its sporting investment. The minister's warm words about diaspora volunteers are well-placed, yet the sustained infrastructure for athlete welfare and training — not community cheering — will determine whether India consistently converts Asian Games entries into podium finishes.
NationPress
20 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Asian Games 2026 and where is it being held?
The Asian Games 2026 is the continental multi-sport event being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. India has sent a 503-member contingent to compete across multiple disciplines at the Games.
What did Sports Minister Mandaviya say about the Indian diaspora in Japan?
Minister Mansukh Mandaviya praised the Indian diaspora for organising a 'Sundays on Cycle' event in Nagoya to cheer the Indian contingent and called the diaspora 'a strength' for India wherever its people are present.
What key events does India have at the Asian Games on 20 September?
India's focus on 20 September includes the women's cricket semi-final against Bangladesh, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, as well as shooter Elavenil Valarivan and teqball star Quimcy Dsouza competing for medals.
Who is Quimcy Dsouza and why is her participation significant?
Quimcy Dsouza is an Indian teqball player competing in both the women's singles bronze match and mixed doubles alongside Mohamed Anas Beg at the Asian Games 2026. A medal for her would mark India's first-ever teqball medal at the Asian Games.
Why is the women's cricket semi-final notable at Asian Games 2026?
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women's cricket team are the defending Asian Games champions. Their semi-final against Bangladesh guarantees both teams at least a silver medal, making a podium finish certain for India in cricket.
