The 2026 Asian Games in Aichi‑Nagoya saw India wrestle with expectations, as veteran athletes struggled to convert training into podiums—no surprise to fans who watched the slow burn.
The tally settled at 85 medals—21 fewer than the 106 secured in 2022—placing India fourth behind China, Japan, and South Korea, a position that feels like a bitter pill.
A string of injuries, especially in high‑profile events, derailed India’s medal prospects. Badminton yielded only a single bronze, while shooting produced 15 medals in a field that had promised more.
A source from the Sports Ministry said, “We need to change a lot of things; the money spent on experienced athletes didn’t translate into medals.” The words hung heavy in the air.
On Oct. 13, officials and national federations will sit down to review the performance and scrutinise the Rs 700 crore invested through the Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS). The review will probe why funds didn’t match results.
With the Olympic stage looming, India must overhaul training, medical support, and talent scouting if it wants to climb back into the top three at the next continental event.