Gujarat will have its largest representation at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with nine athletes and one reserve player selected to represent India from September 19 to October 4, 2026. This selection marks a significant increase from the 2014 Asian Games, where only three athletes from Gujarat participated. The state’s officials noted that this growth showcases Gujarat’s expanding presence in various sports at the international level.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi attributed the rise in representation to long-term investments in sports development. He highlighted initiatives such as Khel Mahakumbh and the Shaktidoot Yojana, implemented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as Chief Minister, as key contributors to this success. Sanghavi emphasized Gujarat’s emergence as a sports powerhouse on the global stage.
The athletes chosen from Gujarat encompass a diverse range of disciplines, including shooting, table tennis, tennis, swimming, athletics, and soft tennis. Among them are notable names like shooter Elavenil Valarivan, table tennis players Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar, and sprinter Devyani Zala. Jil Desai has been named as a reserve player. The state government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, is dedicated to fostering a robust sporting ecosystem to support these athletes.
Gujarat’s increasing participation in major international events, including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games, reflects its growing contribution to Indian sports beyond cricket. The state is also gearing up to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with significant progress underway in developing top-notch sports infrastructure. The 20th Asian Games will bring together athletes from across Asia for a multi-sport event in Japan, showcasing the region’s sporting talent on a grand scale.
