IOA President PT Usha backs Team India ahead of Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games
Synopsis
PT Usha's send-off address wasn't just ceremonial — it was a statement of intent. With India chasing its record 107-medal haul from 2023 and PM Modi's personal attention cited as a motivating force, the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will be a real test of whether India's multi-sport machinery has genuinely shifted gears.
Key Takeaways
Usha expressed confidence in Team India at a formal send-off ceremony in New Delhi on 8 September .
Usha credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal encouragement as a key morale booster for the contingent.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya attended the ceremony alongside Usha, reflecting Ministry-level support.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games run from 19 September to 4 October in Japan .
India enters the Games aiming to build on its record 107 medals won at the 2023 Asian Games .
The send-off panel featured Swapnil Kusale , Asmita Dey , Gyaneshwari Yadav , and Pawan Sehrawat .
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president P.T. Usha expressed strong confidence in the Indian contingent on Tuesday, 8 September, as Team India received a formal send-off in New Delhi ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan. Usha credited robust government support and the personal encouragement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as key factors behind the squad's elevated belief heading into the continental showpiece.
Usha's Message to the Contingent
Speaking at the send-off ceremony, Usha said: 'I am very confident. So, it is not like it was earlier. Now, the government is fully supporting the players, and our Prime Minister himself is taking a lot of interest in supporting the players and inspiring them before and after the competition.' She added with conviction, 'Indian players will perform very well at the Asian Games.'
The remarks reflect a broader shift in the institutional ecosystem around Indian sport — one where top-level political attention has become a visible pillar of athlete preparation, not merely a ceremonial footnote.
Who Was at the Send-Off
The ceremony, organised by the IOA, brought together athletes, coaches, support staff, officials, and partners before the contingent's departure for Japan. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya attended alongside Usha, signalling the Ministry's active stake in the campaign.
A panel discussion was among the highlights of the event, featuring Olympic medalist Swapnil Kusale, Commonwealth Games gold medalist Asmita Dey, Commonwealth Games medalist and weightlifter Gyaneshwari Yadav, and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat — a cross-section of disciplines that underlines the breadth of India's sporting ambitions.
The Scale of the Challenge in Japan
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are scheduled from 19 September to 4 October in Japan, drawing athletes from the continent's top sporting nations across multiple disciplines. India enters the Games with significant momentum: at the 2023 Asian Games, the country delivered a record-breaking haul of 107 medals — its best-ever performance at the continental event.
Replicating or surpassing that benchmark in Japan will be a considerable ask, given the competitive depth of nations such as China, Japan, South Korea, and a resurgent Iran. Notably, this edition also carries added significance as a stepping stone to the 2026 Asian Games cycle and broader Olympic qualification pathways.
Government and IOA Backing
Both the IOA and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports have backed the Indian contingent's preparations in the lead-up to the Games. The dual institutional support — sporting governance and government funding — is increasingly seen as central to India's improving medal trajectory at major multi-sport events.
With the Aichi-Nagoya Games now days away, all eyes will be on whether Team India can sustain the record-setting momentum from 2023 and cement its status as one of Asia's leading sporting powers.
Point of View
Yet institutional backing must eventually be measured in podium finishes, not speeches. India's medal count at major multi-sport events has improved sharply, but the depth across disciplines beyond shooting, wrestling, and athletics remains uneven. The real story of these Games will be whether India can convert participation across a wider range of sports into medals.
NationPress
9 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games being held?
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are scheduled from 19 September to 4 October in Japan. Athletes from across Asia will compete in multiple disciplines at this continental multi-sport event.
What did IOA President PT Usha say about Team India's prospects?
Usha said she is 'very confident' about the Indian contingent's performance, attributing the squad's improved belief to strong government support and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal interest in inspiring athletes. She stated that 'Indian players will perform very well at the Asian Games.'
How did India perform at the 2023 Asian Games?
India won a record 107 medals at the 2023 Asian Games — its best-ever performance at the continental event. The team is heading to Aichi-Nagoya aiming to sustain or surpass that medal-winning momentum.
Who attended the Team India send-off ceremony?
The send-off ceremony in New Delhi was attended by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya and IOA President PT Usha, along with athletes, coaches, support staff, officials, and partners. A panel discussion featured Olympic medalist Swapnil Kusale, Commonwealth Games gold medalist Asmita Dey, weightlifter Gyaneshwari Yadav, and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat.
Why is government support significant for Indian athletes at the Asian Games?
According to Usha, the level of government backing has markedly improved compared to earlier years, with the Prime Minister personally engaging with athletes before and after competitions. This institutional support — combining IOA governance and Ministry funding — is increasingly linked to India's rising medal tallies at major multi-sport events.
