Asian Games 2026: 19 Athletes from Telugu States Set to Represent India in Japan

The Asian Games are regarded as one of the toughest multi-sport competitions after the Olympics, and a medal at the continental event is considered a significant achievement for an athlete. The 2026 Asian Games in Japan, beginning on September 19, will see 19 athletes from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh representing India across several disciplines. Archers Dhiraj Bommadevara and Vennam Jyothi Surekha are among the athletes attracting significant attention. Dhiraj recently won gold at the Archery World Cup Final, while Jyothi Surekha has an impressive Asian Games record, including three gold medals at the 2022 edition. Telangana’s Chikita Taniparthi and Tirumuru Ganesh Manirathnam are also expected to be among the archers to watch.

PV Sindhu will return to the Asian Games after missing the previous edition due to injury. The two-time Olympic medallist has previously won a singles silver and a team bronze at the continental event and recently regained momentum by winning the Japan Open. Kidambi Srikanth and Tarun Mannepalli will compete in singles, while Satwik Sai Raj Rankireddy, partnering Chirag Shetty, and Gayatri Gopichand, partnering Treesa Jolly, will be among the doubles combinations. Satwik and Chirag won gold in men’s doubles and silver in the team event at the 2022 Asian Games.