Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic javelin champion, will miss the 2026 Asian Games after an ankle ligament injury ended his season, but he didn’t stay silent. On the opening day he posted a heartfelt message on X, saying, “All my best wishes to Team India at the Asian Games 2026! I’m sure they will all make us proud.”
Chopra’s absence is a blow to India’s athletics hopes. He lifted gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and silver at Paris 2024, but the injury sustained during a training session means he cannot defend his Asian Games title. The javelin world record holder has been a pillar of India’s track and field success for the past two Olympic cycles.
The opening ceremony at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium saw Manu Bhaker and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat carry the flag. Bhaker, a double bronze medalist from Paris, paused to thank God and supporters, recalling the day she was chosen as flag bearer. Sehrawat stepped into the role after shot‑putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor missed his kit, adding a dramatic twist to the parade.
India’s campaign is already showing promise. The women’s cricket team knocked out hosts Japan by eight wickets to reach the semis, while teqball star Quimcy D’Souza remains in contention for a bronze after a tough singles semifinal. With 11,000 athletes across 43 sports, the Games offer India a chance to surpass its 106‑medal haul from Hangzhou.
As the Games stretch to October 4, India will look to capitalize on early momentum and aim for a new medal record, setting the stage for a historic performance across all disciplines.