Asian Games 2026: Sports Ministry Clears 246 Support Staff for India’s 768-Member Contingent

The Sports Ministry on Wednesday approved 246 team officials and support staff for India’s 503 athletes competing at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, which begin on September 19.

The ministry had earlier cleared 492 athletes for the continental sporting extravaganza. However, the final athlete count has risen to 503, with additional names, particularly from the athletics contingent, being included.

With the latest approvals, India’s overall contingent strength stands at 768. This includes 19 contingent officials, among them Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav and Chief Medical Officer Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala.

Athletics will have the largest support team, with 31 officials accompanying the 79-member contingent. The group includes 20 coaches, led by national coach P Radhakrishnan. Javelin star Neeraj Chopra, however, will miss the Games due to injury.

India’s two cricket teams have been allocated 20 support staff members, with former India batter and coach VVS Laxman heading the group.

India will compete across 36 disciplines at the Asian Games, which will be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4.