Five Indian Athletes Whose Asian Games Journey Began Long Before Nagoya

For some Indian athletes competing at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, this is not their first rodeo. While many are making their debut, others have been part of India’s Asian Games teams for years.

Mirabai Chanu first competed at the 2014 Incheon Games in the women’s 48kg category and finished ninth. She missed the 2018 Jakarta edition due to injury but returned at the 2022 Hangzhou Games, finishing fourth. Now, she is competing again, aiming for her first Asian Games medal.

Mairaj Ahmad Khan has been around even longer. The skeet shooter first appeared at the 2006 Doha Games and competed in 2010 and 2014. He missed the 2018 and 2022 editions but is back now, making his fourth Asian Games appearance at 50.

Anu Raghavan first competed at the 2018 Jakarta Games, finishing fourth in the women’s 400m hurdles. She later earned bronze after Bahrain’s Kemi Adekoya was disqualified for doping. Now, she is competing again eight years later.

Rahi Sarnobat has already tasted success. At the 2018 Jakarta Games, she won gold in the women’s 25m pistol, making her India’s first female shooter to win individual Asian Games gold. After facing health challenges, she is back at Nagoya competing again.

Harmanpreet Singh has been a key player for India’s men’s hockey team. He helped India win bronze in 2018 and gold in 2022, securing an Olympic spot. Now, he returns as captain, leading the team once more.

From Chanu’s debut in 2014 to Mairaj’s return nearly two decades later, these athletes represent a mix of experience and legacy at the Asian Games. Nagoya is not the start for them—it’s just another chapter in their long journey.