New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): India will arrive at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan with an established group of stars chasing medals and milestones, but alongside them will be a crop of young athletes facing their first major continental test.
With a 499-member Indian contingent, the Games could become an important stepping stone for several debutants looking beyond the immediate medal race and towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Here are five names who have already built credentials worth watching.
Ayush Shetty — Badminton
At just 21, Ayush Shetty has already shown that he is comfortable taking on elite opposition. His resume includes a Thomas Cup bronze and an Asian Championships silver, while his recent performances have further strengthened his reputation as a player capable of producing upsets.
He defeated Shi Yuqi, then the world No. 1 and defending world champion, at the recent BWF World Championships. His Asian Championships campaign was equally impressive, featuring victories over Kunlavut Vitidsarn and Jonatan Christie.
India has won only one men’s badminton gold at the Asian Games so far, and Shetty’s ability to challenge the top names could make his debut particularly significant.
Rohit Yadav — Javelin Throw
With Neeraj Chopra absent, attention in India’s javelin campaign will turn towards 25-year-old Rohit Yadav.
Rohit has twice crossed the 87-metre mark this season. His biggest effort came in August at the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver Meet in Bhubaneswar, where he threw 87.68 metres to claim gold.
The Asian Games will provide him with an opportunity to establish himself on a major international stage.
Sujeet Kalkal — Wrestling
Haryana’s 23-year-old Sujeet Kalkal has steadily climbed the wrestling ranks. Competing in the 65kg freestyle category, he won gold at this year’s Asian Championships in Bishkek.
His earlier record includes an U-23 gold in 2025 and an U-20 bronze in 2022, giving him a strong age-group foundation ahead of his senior Asian Games debut.
Sakshi Chaudhary — Boxing
Indian boxing’s strong showing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where the country collected a record 10 medals including seven golds, brought Sakshi Chaudhary into the spotlight.
The 26-year-old won the women’s 51kg gold at the Games. She has also claimed a World Boxing Cup gold in the 54kg category and an Asian Boxing Championships bronze in the same weight class in 2021.
Her Asian Games debut presents another opportunity to add a major multi-sport medal to her growing record.
Suruchi Phogat — Shooting
At 20, Suruchi Phogat is already a familiar name on the international shooting circuit. The 10m air pistol shooter has won five ISSF World Cup gold medals, along with a World Championships team silver and a World Cup Final gold.
One of her standout performances came at the ISSF World Cup in Lima, where she defeated Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker to take gold.
Her record against established international competitors makes Suruchi one of the Indian debutants whose performance will attract considerable attention in Japan.
For all five athletes, the Asian Games represent more than a first appearance. It is an opportunity to test themselves against Asia’s best and potentially establish the foundations for the next phase of their international careers.
