India's leading table tennis player, Manika Batra, has publicly questioned her exclusion from the country's main squad for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, expressing disappointment over the selection process and calling for greater transparency. The 31-year-old Olympian was named among the reserves when the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) announced a 10-member contingent for the 2026 Asian Games on Thursday.&nbsp;A day later, Batra voiced her concerns on X, saying, “My non-selection for the Asian Games 2026 squad is deeply disheartening, with no specific reason communicated. Questions arise on consistency, as different thresholds and considerations were applied in the previous selection cycle compared to my case. If the same rules are meant to apply as in the last Asian Games selection." "I have sought clarity on the process and respectfully request the Hon'ble Prime Minister, Hon'ble Sports Minister and Indian Olympic Association to look into the matter and ensure transparency and fair application of selection norms," she added.&nbsp;TTFI selected the squad using a policy that gives 50 percent weightage to national rankings, 40 percent to world rankings and 10 percent to the selection committee's discretion. Despite being India's second-highest-ranked women's singles player internationally, Batra missed out on the main squad largely due to her absence from domestic tournaments, which affected her national ranking.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/forget-the-players-merlin-the-duck-and-osito-the-dog-are-stealing-the-fifa-world-cup-spotlight-1781865864680">Forget the players. Merlin the duck and Osito the dog are stealing the FIFA World Cup spotlight</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I urge Hon’ble Prime Minister <a href="https://x.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji, our Sports Minister <a href="https://x.com/mansukhmandviya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mansukhmandviya</a> ji and <a href="https://x.com/WeAreTeamIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WeAreTeamIndia</a> to look into the matter 🙏🙏🙏 <a href="https://t.co/VuyaBvTyKT">pic.twitter.com/VuyaBvTyKT</a>&mdash; Manika Batra (@manikabatra_TT) <a href="https://x.com/manikabatra_TT/status/2067821768501522749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The women's team will be led by Sreeja Akula, India's top-ranked female paddler and world no. 45. The squad also includes Yashaswini Ghorpade, Diya Chitale, Sutirtha Mukherjee and Syndrela Das. Swastika Ghosh and Batra have been named as reserves. The men's contingent will be spearheaded by G Sathiyan and features Harmeet Desai, Manav Thakkar, Manush Shah and Payas Jain. Ankur Bhattacharjee and Ronit Bhanja have been listed as reserves.&nbsp;One of India's most decorated table tennis players, Batra played a key role in the country's breakthrough success at the Asian Games. Alongside Sharath Kamal, she won a mixed doubles bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games. India's other table tennis medals at the continental event include the men's team bronze in 2018 and the women's doubles bronze won by Sutirtha Mukherjee and Ayhika Mukherjee at the 2022 Asian Games. The table tennis competition at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games is scheduled to be held from September 20 to 28, 2026.<h2>Asian Games 2026: India table tennis squad</h2>Men: G Sathiyan, Harmeet Desai, Manav Thakkar, Manush Shah, Payas Jain Women: Sreeja Akula, Yashaswini Ghorpade, Diya Chitale, Sutirtha Mukherjee, Syndrela Das. Reserves: Ankur Bhattacharjee, Ronit Bhanja (men); Swastika Ghosh, Manika Batra (women).

Indian table tennis star Manika Batra has raised concerns over her omission from India's Asian Games 2026 squad, calling for transparency and clarity in the selection process adopted by TTFI

India's leading table tennis player, Manika Batra, has publicly questioned her exclusion from the country's main squad for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, expressing disappointment over the selection process and calling for greater transparency. The 31-year-old Olympian was named among the reserves when the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) announced a 10-member contingent for the 2026 Asian Games on Thursday. A day later, Batra voiced her concerns on X, saying, “My non-selection for the Asian Games 2026 squad is deeply disheartening, with no specific reason communicated. Questions arise on consistency, as different thresholds and considerations were applied in the previous selection cycle compared to my case. If the same rules are meant to apply as in the last Asian Games selection." "I have sought clarity on the process and respectfully request the Hon'ble Prime Minister, Hon'ble Sports Minister and Indian Olympic Association to look into the matter and ensure transparency and fair application of selection norms," she added. TTFI selected the squad using a policy that gives 50 percent weightage to national rankings, 40 percent to world rankings and 10 percent to the selection committee's discretion. Despite being India's second-highest-ranked women's singles player internationally, Batra missed out on the main squad largely due to her absence from domestic tournaments, which affected her national ranking. Also Read: Forget the players. Merlin the duck and Osito the dog are stealing the FIFA World Cup spotlight

Ace paddler Manika Batra questions her exclusion from India's Asian Games 2026 main squad, seeking transparency and clarity in the selection process

'Deeply disheartening': Manika Batra questions selection policy over Asian Games squad snub, writes to PM Modi, sports minister

After an impressive run through the regional qualifiers, S8UL Esports' League of Legends roster has officially qualified to represent India at the Asian Games 2026, set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. Esports will feature 11 titles at the event, continuing its rise within the continental sporting landscape after debuting as a demonstration event at the 2018 Asian Games and becoming a full medal sport at the Hangzhou Asian Games.Competing under the national team's banner, the roster comprising Akshaj Shenoy (Kat Bot), Aakash Shandilya (Infi), Sanindhya Malik (Deadcorporal), Mihir Ranjan (Lotus), Ahmed Shahid (Nero), and Rahul Bisht (Bob) entered the regional qualifiers on the back of a dominant victory at the National Esports Championships (NESC) 2026, the official national qualification tournament for the Asian Games 2026.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-a-boot-dilemma-helped-germany-player-andreas-brehme-create-history-in-1990-final-against-argentina-1781597991803">FIFA World Cup | A boot dilemma helped Germany player make history in 1990 final</a>The regional qualifiers featured 14 teams competing across a two-stage format. Teams first battled through a round-robin Group Stage before advancing to the Split Stage, where the top-performing sides secured qualification for the Asian Games Main Event.Drawn into Group B, the team led by in-game leader (IGL) Kat Bot, delivered an unbeaten performance, defeating Jordan, Sri Lanka, and Kazakhstan to finish atop the standings and progress to the Split Stage. Despite falling short against Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia in the next phase, the team did enough to punch its ticket to Aichi Nagoya.Having booked its berth, India will now compete against some of Asia's strongest League of Legends nations, including Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Vietnam, as it looks to make its mark on one of esports' biggest stages.Notably, Kat Bot, Infi, Deadcorporal, and Lotus were also part of India's League of Legends contingent at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023, where the team secured a fifth-place finish. Their return to the continental stage presents an opportunity to build on that experience and test themselves against the region's elite once again.Speaking on the achievement, Akshaj Shenoy aka Kat Bot, captain of India's League of Legends team, said, “Qualifying for the Asian Games is a proud moment for all of us. We knew the regional qualifiers would be extremely competitive, and every match demanded complete focus. For many of us, this will be our second Asian Games, which makes this qualification even more special because we understand the level of competition that awaits us. We are grateful to S8UL for believing in this roster and providing us with the support, stability, and opportunities needed to keep improving as a team. Representing India is always an honour, and we'll do everything we can to make the country proud in Aichi-Nagoya.”The milestone also reflects S8UL's continued investment in nurturing Indian esports talent. Signed by the organization last year, the roster has benefited from professional infrastructure, sustained competitive support, and opportunities to test itself against some of the strongest teams in the region. Since joining S8UL, the players have represented the organization across major domestic and international competitions, cementing their status as one of India's premier League of Legends lineups.“Representing India at the Asian Games is among the highest honours an athlete can achieve, and seeing our League of Legends roster earn that opportunity is incredibly special. This team has demonstrated resilience, discipline, and a willingness to continually improve, qualities that are essential for success at the international level. At S8UL, our goal has always been to create pathways for Indian athletes to compete on the biggest stages in the world. We have no doubt they will give their all when they step onto the stage in Aichi-Nagoya and compete for the nation with pride,” said Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL.The qualification also adds to a growing list of Team India representatives from S8UL. Earlier, the organization’s Gurashish Singh (Soul) and Prateek Bhaunt (B Haunt) secured qualification for the Asian Games in Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6, respectively, after winning their events at the NESC 2026.Apart from the Asian Games, S8UL is also flying the Indian flag on the global stage through its participation at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026. Selected as a Club Partner by the Esports Foundation for the second consecutive year, S8UL has already secured qualification in Apex Legends, Chess, Fortnite, and Honor of Kings, while continuing to compete across qualification pathways in several other titles.With athletes now representing India across multiple disciplines, S8UL continues to strengthen the country's presence on the international esports stage through long-term investment in player development, professional support systems, and global competitive opportunities.

The regional qualifiers featured 14 teams competing across a two-stage format. Teams first battled through a round-robin Group Stage before advancing to the Split Stage, where the top-performing sides secured qualification for the Asian Games Main Event.

After an impressive run through the regional qualifiers, S8UL Esports' League of Legends roster has officially qualified to represent India at the Asian Games 2026, set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. Esports will feature 11 titles at the event, continuing its rise within the continental sporting landscape after debuting as a demonstration event at the 2018 Asian Games and becoming a full medal sport at the Hangzhou Asian Games. Competing under the national team's banner, the roster comprising Akshaj Shenoy (Kat Bot), Aakash Shandilya (Infi), Sanindhya Malik (Deadcorporal), Mihir Ranjan (Lotus), Ahmed Shahid (Nero), and Rahul Bisht (Bob) entered the regional qualifiers on the back of a dominant victory at the National Esports Championships (NESC) 2026, the official national qualification tournament for the Asian Games 2026. Also Read - FIFA World Cup | A boot dilemma helped Germany player make history in 1990 final The regional qualifiers featured 14 teams competing across a two-stage format. Teams first battled through a round-robin Group Stage before advancing to the Split Stage, where the top-performing sides secured qualification for the Asian Games Main Event. Drawn into Group B, the team led by in-game leader (IGL) Kat Bot, delivered an unbeaten performance, defeating Jordan, Sri Lanka, and Kazakhstan to finish atop the standings and progress to the Split Stage. Despite falling short against Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia in the next phase, the team did enough to punch its ticket to Aichi Nagoya. Having booked its berth, India will now compete against some of Asia's strongest League of Legends nations, including Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Vietnam, as it looks to make its mark on one of esports' biggest stages. Notably, Kat Bot, Infi, Deadcorporal, and Lotus were also part of India's League of Legends contingent at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023, where the team secured a fifth-place finish. Their return to the continental stage presents an opportunity to build on that experience and test themselves against the region's elite once again. Speaking on the achievement, Akshaj Shenoy aka Kat Bot, captain of India's League of Legends team, said, “Qualifying for the Asian Games is a proud moment for all of us. We knew the regional qualifiers would be extremely competitive, and every match demanded complete focus. For many of us, this will be our second Asian Games, which makes this qualification even more special because we understand the level of competition that awaits us. We are grateful to S8UL for believing in this roster and providing us with the support, stability, and opportunities needed to keep improving as a team. Representing India is always an honour, and we'll do everything we can to make the country proud in Aichi-Nagoya.” The milestone also reflects S8UL's continued investment in nurturing Indian esports talent. Signed by the organization last year, the roster has benefited from professional infrastructure, sustained competitive support, and opportunities to test itself against some of the strongest teams in the region. Since joining S8UL, the players have represented the organization across major domestic and international competitions, cementing their status as one of India's premier League of Legends lineups. “Representing India at the Asian Games is among the highest honours an athlete can achieve, and seeing our League of Legends roster earn that opportunity is incredibly special. This team has demonstrated resilience, discipline, and a willingness to continually improve, qualities that are essential for success at the international level. At S8UL, our goal has always been to create pathways for Indian athletes to compete on the biggest stages in the world. We have no doubt they will give their all when they step onto the stage in Aichi-Nagoya and compete for the nation with pride,” said Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL. The qualification also adds to a growing list of Team India representatives from S8UL. Earlier, the organization’s Gurashish Singh (Soul) and Prateek Bhaunt (B Haunt) secured qualification for the Asian Games in Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6, respectively, after winning their events at the NESC 2026. Apart from the Asian Games, S8UL is also flying the Indian flag on the global stage through its participation at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026. Selected as a Club Partner by the Esports Foundation for the second consecutive year, S8UL has already secured qualification in Apex Legends, Chess, Fortnite, and Honor of Kings, while continuing to compete across qualification pathways in several other titles. With athletes now representing India across multiple disciplines, S8UL continues to strengthen the country's presence on the international esports stage through long-term investment in player development, professional support systems, and global competitive opportunities.

The regional qualifiers featured 14 teams competing across a two-stage format. Teams first battled through a round-robin Group Stage before advancing to the Split Stage, where the top-performing sides secured qualification for the Asian Games Main Event.

Asian Games 2026 | S8UL Esports' League of Legends qualifies to represent India

Two-time Asian Games medallist PV Sindhu and men's doubles stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will lead a formidable Indian badminton contingent at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from September 19 to October 4. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) announced the squad following a review of recent performances across national and international competitions, along with BWF rankings as of May 26.&nbsp;India's men's team will be spearheaded by Lakshya Sen, currently the country's top-ranked men's singles player. Experienced campaigners HS Prannoy and Kidambi Srikanth also retain their places after playing key roles in India's historic silver-medal finish in the men's team event at the previous Asian Games. The squad also reflects India's growing depth in badminton, with several emerging stars earning selection. Badminton Asia Championships silver medallist Ayush Shetty joins the team alongside World Junior Championships silver medallist Tanvi Sharma and promising youngster Unnati Hooda following impressive performances on the international circuit.&nbsp;BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra believes the current squad reflects the rapid growth of Indian badminton across all categories. "Over the last few months, we have seen encouraging signs across the board, Satwik-Chirag back to their best, Lakshya returning to the world's top 10, the men's team reaching another Thomas Cup podium, Sindhu and our senior players delivering consistently, and younger athletes stepping up with strong performances and important results internationally. This squad has blend of experience, depth and emerging talent, and we believe it has the quality and character to compete strongly at the Asian Games," said Sanjay Mishra, General Secretary, BAI.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-brazil-fans-take-over-new-york-s-times-square-ahead-of-fifa-world-cup-clash-against-morocco-1781363516539">WATCH | Brazil fans take over New York's Times Square ahead of FIFA World Cup clash against Morocco</a>&nbsp;India enters the competition carrying significant momentum. The country has won 13 badminton medals in Asian Games history, including a landmark gold medal at the previous edition. The 2022 Asian Games proved to be India's most successful badminton campaign, producing one gold, one silver and one bronze medal.&nbsp;The doubles department remains one of India's strongest areas. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will once again spearhead the men's doubles challenge, while Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun provide additional strength. In women's doubles, the experienced pairing of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Pullela will lead India's challenge alongside the improving duo of Kavipriya Selvam and Simran Singhi.&nbsp;The mixed doubles event will feature India's top-ranked pair Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto, while PV Sindhu and Unnati Hooda will represent the nation in women's singles. With a blend of established champions and exciting young talent, India will be aiming to build on its recent success and challenge Asia's badminton powerhouses when competition starts in Japan.<h2>Asian Games 2026, Team India Squad</h2>Team Championship Men's Team: Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, H. S. Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth, Tharun Mannepalli, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Hariharan Amsakarunan, M. R. Arjun, Dhruv Kapila Women's Team: PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda, Devika Sihag, Tanvi Sharma, Isharani Baruah, Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand Pullela, Kavipriya Selvam, Simran Singhi, Tanisha Crasto Individual Championship Men's Singles (MS): Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty Women's Singles (WS): PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda Men's Doubles (MD): Satwiksairaj Rankireddy / Chirag Shetty; Hariharan Amsakarunan / M. R. Arjun Women's Doubles (WD): Treesa Jolly / Gayatri Gopichand Pullela; Kavipriya Selvam / Simran Singhi Mixed Doubles (XD): Dhruv Kapila / Tanisha Crasto

PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty headline India's badminton squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan

Two-time Asian Games medallist PV Sindhu and men's doubles stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will lead a formidable Indian badminton contingent at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from September 19 to October 4. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) announced the squad following a review of recent performances across national and international competitions, along with BWF rankings as of May 26. India's men's team will be spearheaded by Lakshya Sen, currently the country's top-ranked men's singles player. Experienced campaigners HS Prannoy and Kidambi Srikanth also retain their places after playing key roles in India's historic silver-medal finish in the men's team event at the previous Asian Games. The squad also reflects India's growing depth in badminton, with several emerging stars earning selection. Badminton Asia Championships silver medallist Ayush Shetty joins the team alongside World Junior Championships silver medallist Tanvi Sharma and promising youngster Unnati Hooda following impressive performances on the international circuit. BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra believes the current squad reflects the rapid growth of Indian badminton across all categories. "Over the last few months, we have seen encouraging signs across the board, Satwik-Chirag back to their best, Lakshya returning to the world's top 10, the men's team reaching another Thomas Cup podium, Sindhu and our senior players delivering consistently, and younger athletes stepping up with strong performances and important results internationally. This squad has blend of experience, depth and emerging talent, and we believe it has the quality and character to compete strongly at the Asian Games," said Sanjay Mishra, General Secretary, BAI. Also Read: WATCH | Brazil fans take over New York's Times Square ahead of FIFA World Cup clash against Morocco India enters the competition carrying significant momentum. The country has won 13 badminton medals in Asian Games history, including a landmark gold medal at the previous edition. The 2022 Asian Games proved to be India's most successful badminton campaign, producing one gold, one silver and one bronze medal. The doubles department remains one of India's strongest areas. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will once again spearhead the men's doubles challenge, while Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun provide additional strength. In women's doubles, the experienced pairing of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Pullela will lead India's challenge alongside the improving duo of Kavipriya Selvam and Simran Singhi. The mixed doubles event will feature India's top-ranked pair Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto, while PV Sindhu and Unnati Hooda will represent the nation in women's singles. With a blend of established champions and exciting young talent, India will be aiming to build on its recent success and challenge Asia's badminton powerhouses when competition starts in Japan. Asian Games 2026, Team India Squad Team Championship Men's Team: Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, H. S. Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth, Tharun Mannepalli, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Hariharan Amsakarunan, M. R. Arjun, Dhruv Kapila Women's Team: PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda, Devika Sihag, Tanvi Sharma, Isharani Baruah, Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand Pullela, Kavipriya Selvam, Simran Singhi, Tanisha Crasto Individual Championship Men's Singles (MS): Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty Women's Singles (WS): PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda Men's Doubles (MD): Satwiksairaj Rankireddy / Chirag Shetty; Hariharan Amsakarunan / M. R. Arjun Women's Doubles (WD): Treesa Jolly / Gayatri Gopichand Pullela; Kavipriya Selvam / Simran Singhi Mixed Doubles (XD): Dhruv Kapila / Tanisha Crasto

Ace shuttlers PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen and Satwik-Chirag lead India's strong badminton squad for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games to be held in Japan

PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen and Satwik-Chirag headline India's Asian Games 2026 squad

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled India’s squad for the men’s T20 cricket tournament at the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Japan. Recently appointed T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer will captain the side, while Tilak Varma has been named vice-captain. One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is expected to compete for an opening spot alongside established batters Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, giving India significant depth at the top of the order.&nbsp;The middle-order department features Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and power-hitter Shivam Dube. India’s spin attack will be led by Sundar, supported by Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi, while the pace department includes Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.&nbsp;Although star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for India’s upcoming T20I tours of Ireland and England as part of workload management ahead of the 2027 World Cup, selectors have included him in the 15-member squad for the Asian Games.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-fans-allowed-to-bring-sealed-water-bottles-into-stadiums-during-world-cup-1780727388945">FIFA 2026: Fans allowed to bring sealed water bottles into stadiums during World Cup</a>&nbsp;The men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games will be played in the T20 format from Sep 24 to Oct 3, with ten teams, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Japan, Nepal, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Oman, will compete for the gold medal.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-squads-for-england-ireland-tour-sooryavanshi-earns-call-up-shreyas-named-new-captain-1780732332687">Shreyas named captain, Sooryavanshi earns call-up for England &amp; Ireland tour</a>&nbsp;The tournament opens with the preliminary qualifying stage from Sep 24 to 26, followed by quarter-finals on Sep 28 and 29. The semi-finals are set for Oct 1, while the bronze-medal match and the final will both be played on Oct 3.<h2>India squad for the 2026 Asian Games (Men’s T20)</h2>Shreyas Iyer (captain), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Jasprit Bumrah

India have announced their 15-player squad for the Asian Games 2026, with the cricket tournament scheduled for September and October in Japan.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled India’s squad for the men’s T20 cricket tournament at the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Japan. Recently appointed T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer will captain the side, while Tilak Varma has been named vice-captain. One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is expected to compete for an opening spot alongside established batters Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, giving India significant depth at the top of the order. The middle-order department features Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and power-hitter Shivam Dube. India’s spin attack will be led by Sundar, supported by Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi, while the pace department includes Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. Although star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for India’s upcoming T20I tours of Ireland and England as part of workload management ahead of the 2027 World Cup, selectors have included him in the 15-member squad for the Asian Games. Also Read - FIFA 2026: Fans allowed to bring sealed water bottles into stadiums during World Cup The men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games will be played in the T20 format from Sep 24 to Oct 3, with ten teams, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Japan, Nepal, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Oman, will compete for the gold medal. Also Read - Shreyas named captain, Sooryavanshi earns call-up for England & Ireland tour The tournament opens with the preliminary qualifying stage from Sep 24 to 26, followed by quarter-finals on Sep 28 and 29. The semi-finals are set for Oct 1, while the bronze-medal match and the final will both be played on Oct 3. India squad for the 2026 Asian Games (Men’s T20) Shreyas Iyer (captain), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Jasprit Bumrah

India have announced their 15-player squad for the Asian Games 2026, with the cricket tournament scheduled for September and October in Japan.

India squad for Asian Games 2026: Shreyas Iyer to lead, Bumrah returns

Indian swimming has never had more talent, better facilities, or stronger support systems. Yet the country continues to wait for its breakthrough moment on the world stage. That is the candid assessment of former Asian Games medallist and current national swimming coach Sandeep Sejwal, who believes India has the ingredients required for success but still lacks the ecosystem that consistently produces world-class swimmers.&nbsp;Speaking about India's position compared to global powers such as China, Australia, and the United States, Sejwal, who gives training at the Inspire Institute of Sport, admitted that the gap remains significant. However, he was quick to point out that the issue is not a shortage of talent. "We have the talent. We have the facilities. We have the mindset and the right people," Sejwal explained. The challenge, according to him, is experience and the absence of a system that exposes swimmers to elite competition from a young age.&nbsp;Unlike countries that regularly produce Olympic champions, Indian swimmers are still learning how to compete at the highest level. Sejwal believes that sustained exposure and long-term planning are essential if India wants to bridge that gap. One of his strongest observations was directed towards the sport's scheduling structure. He argued that annual planning is no longer enough and called for a four-year competition calendar that aligns with major international events such as the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Olympics. "Planning in March for a competition in June doesn't give athletes enough time to prepare," he said, stressing the importance of long-term athlete development.&nbsp;For now, Sejwal's immediate focus remains on veteran swimmer Sajjan Prakash, who is targeting both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. According to the coach, recent performances place Sajjan among the leading contenders in his event, with data suggesting he is currently ranked among the top swimmers in contention. While Sajjan has not bettered his personal best in several years, Sejwal remains optimistic. He revealed that the swimmer has steadily improved over the last year and believes a personal best could be within reach by the time the Commonwealth Games arrive.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-ruled-out-of-afghanistan-odi-series-with-hamstring-injury-report-1780550854358">Big blow for India! Virat Kohli ruled out of Afghanistan ODI series with hamstring injury: Report</a>&nbsp;The biggest challenge is no longer speed but recovery. At 32, Sajjan cannot train the same way he did in his early twenties, when he routinely completed punishing training volumes and bounced back almost immediately. The coaching team is now experimenting with recovery strategies, including tailored nutrition plans, ice baths, stretching protocols, and massage therapies to ensure he can maintain peak performance during major competitions.&nbsp;Despite the physical challenges, Sejwal credits Sajjan's mental toughness as one of his greatest strengths. The swimmer continues to embrace difficult training sessions and remains fully committed to his final major championship cycle. Beyond Sajjan, Sejwal identified a rising star who could represent the future of Indian swimming: Tirthank Pegu. The youngster recently won silver at the Asian Youth Games and has rapidly improved his timings over the past year. Sejwal believes Pegu possesses physical abilities and could become one of India's next international success stories if he continues on his current trajectory.&nbsp;Interestingly, Sejwal believes today's generation of swimmers learns differently from previous generations. Rather than learning through observation, young athletes often learn through failure. International setbacks, he says, become valuable lessons that help shape future champions. The conversation also highlighted the role of the Inspire Institute of Sport, which Sejwal described as one of India's most important sporting ecosystems. While world-class facilities are important, he believes IIS's greatest strength lies in its coaching expertise and collaborative culture.&nbsp;At the campus, swimming coaches regularly exchange ideas with athletics, wrestling, and other sports programs, creating an environment where innovation and learning happen daily. For Sejwal, this culture of shared knowledge may ultimately be what helps India take the next step. The message from one of India's most respected swimming minds is clear: the country no longer needs to build talent. It needs to build a system capable of turning that talent into world-class results. And if that system finally comes together, Indian swimming's long-awaited breakthrough may not be far away.

Sandeep Sejwal opens up on Indian swimming's biggest challenges, Sajjan Prakash's Commonwealth Games medal hopes, rising star Tirthank Pegu, and the need for a long-term roadmap

Indian swimming has never had more talent, better facilities, or stronger support systems. Yet the country continues to wait for its breakthrough moment on the world stage. That is the candid assessment of former Asian Games medallist and current national swimming coach Sandeep Sejwal, who believes India has the ingredients required for success but still lacks the ecosystem that consistently produces world-class swimmers. Speaking about India's position compared to global powers such as China, Australia, and the United States, Sejwal, who gives training at the Inspire Institute of Sport, admitted that the gap remains significant. However, he was quick to point out that the issue is not a shortage of talent. "We have the talent. We have the facilities. We have the mindset and the right people," Sejwal explained. The challenge, according to him, is experience and the absence of a system that exposes swimmers to elite competition from a young age. Unlike countries that regularly produce Olympic champions, Indian swimmers are still learning how to compete at the highest level. Sejwal believes that sustained exposure and long-term planning are essential if India wants to bridge that gap. One of his strongest observations was directed towards the sport's scheduling structure. He argued that annual planning is no longer enough and called for a four-year competition calendar that aligns with major international events such as the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Olympics. "Planning in March for a competition in June doesn't give athletes enough time to prepare," he said, stressing the importance of long-term athlete development. For now, Sejwal's immediate focus remains on veteran swimmer Sajjan Prakash, who is targeting both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. According to the coach, recent performances place Sajjan among the leading contenders in his event, with data suggesting he is currently ranked among the top swimmers in contention. While Sajjan has not bettered his personal best in several years, Sejwal remains optimistic. He revealed that the swimmer has steadily improved over the last year and believes a personal best could be within reach by the time the Commonwealth Games arrive. Also Read: Big blow for India! Virat Kohli ruled out of Afghanistan ODI series with hamstring injury: Report The biggest challenge is no longer speed but recovery. At 32, Sajjan cannot train the same way he did in his early twenties, when he routinely completed punishing training volumes and bounced back almost immediately. The coaching team is now experimenting with recovery strategies, including tailored nutrition plans, ice baths, stretching protocols, and massage therapies to ensure he can maintain peak performance during major competitions. Despite the physical challenges, Sejwal credits Sajjan's mental toughness as one of his greatest strengths. The swimmer continues to embrace difficult training sessions and remains fully committed to his final major championship cycle. Beyond Sajjan, Sejwal identified a rising star who could represent the future of Indian swimming: Tirthank Pegu. The youngster recently won silver at the Asian Youth Games and has rapidly improved his timings over the past year. Sejwal believes Pegu possesses physical abilities and could become one of India's next international success stories if he continues on his current trajectory. Interestingly, Sejwal believes today's generation of swimmers learns differently from previous generations. Rather than learning through observation, young athletes often learn through failure. International setbacks, he says, become valuable lessons that help shape future champions. The conversation also highlighted the role of the Inspire Institute of Sport, which Sejwal described as one of India's most important sporting ecosystems. While world-class facilities are important, he believes IIS's greatest strength lies in its coaching expertise and collaborative culture. At the campus, swimming coaches regularly exchange ideas with athletics, wrestling, and other sports programs, creating an environment where innovation and learning happen daily. For Sejwal, this culture of shared knowledge may ultimately be what helps India take the next step. The message from one of India's most respected swimming minds is clear: the country no longer needs to build talent. It needs to build a system capable of turning that talent into world-class results. And if that system finally comes together, Indian swimming's long-awaited breakthrough may not be far away.

Sandeep Sejwal says Indian swimming has talent and facilities but needs a long-term system, while Sajjan Prakash eyes Commonwealth success

'India has the talent, but not yet the system': Coach Sandeep Sejwal's honest verdict on Indian swimming

At 23, Krishna Jayasankar Menon is not merely breaking records; she is reshaping the imagination of what Indian women in heavy athletics can become. The Chennai-born shot putter has emerged as one of the biggest stories in Indian track and field in 2026 after rewriting the Indian indoor national record three times in a matter of months. Her latest throw of 17.09m made her the first Indian woman ever to breach the 17-metre barrier indoors. Yet behind the statistics and medals lies a story built on resilience, reinvention, and relentless obsession.&nbsp;Krishna calls her relationship with throwing ‘complicated’. Some days she loves it. Other days, she wants to ‘kill it’. But perhaps that emotional tug-of-war is what has shaped the athlete she is becoming, someone willing to confront failure head-on instead of hiding from it. Born into a deeply sporting family, Krishna was introduced to elite competition almost before she understood it. Her parents, Jayasankar Menon and Prasanna Jayasankar, both captained India’s basketball teams, and sport became the foundation of the family’s identity and livelihood. “Sports were the breadwinner for our family,” she recalls. “My parents came from Kerala to Tamil Nadu through sports and built a life.”&nbsp;Krishna’s own journey into athletics started in the fifth grade when a physical education teacher spotted her potential at school in Chennai. What started as a scouting decision in 2012 eventually transformed into a 15-year commitment to one of athletics’ most technically demanding disciplines. But the road from Chennai school competitions to the NCAA circuit in the United States was far from smooth. For Krishna, 2024 became the defining turning point of her career, not because of triumph, but because of collapse.&nbsp;A fractured hand, recurring injuries, and a season without competition shattered her Olympic dreams and forced her into one of the darkest phases of her sporting life. After months away from competition, she entered the Mountain West Championships hoping for a breakthrough, only to foul every throw in discus. That moment changed her. “I told myself I was done preaching to be mediocre,” Krishna says bluntly. “That’s not why I left my country. That’s not why I left my family.” The transformation that followed was not purely technical. It was psychological. Krishna stopped blaming circumstances, stopped waiting for luck, and started taking ownership of every aspect of her training and mindset. She entered 2025 determined not simply to participate, but to dominate. And the results came quickly.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-won-yesterdays-ipl-2026-match-between-gujarat-titans-vs-chennai-super-kings-check-result-1779417741696">Who won yesterday's IPL 2026 match between Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings? Check result</a>&nbsp;She became the first Indian female thrower to qualify for the NCAA Championships in discus throw, broke long-standing university records at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and carried that momentum into 2026, where she attacked the Indian indoor record repeatedly. But even Krishna admits she did not anticipate how quickly the progression would happen. Breaking the 17m barrier was a dream she had written in her diary, but not something she expected to accomplish in such emphatic fashion. “When I finally did it, I cried,” she says. “You fantasise about people throwing 17 metres. Then suddenly you realise you’re one of them.”<h2>‘I had to leave India to understand my worth’</h2>Her rise also carries a deeper personal significance. Growing up in Chennai, Krishna often faced body shaming and struggled with self-confidence. For years, she viewed her body through the lens of criticism instead of strength. That changed dramatically during her move to Jamaica at 18, a decision that would redefine her outlook on womanhood and identity. “I had to leave India to understand my worth,” she says. “In Jamaica, I saw women carry themselves with confidence and pride. That changed the way I looked at myself.” Jamaica became more than a training destination. It became the place where Krishna learned independence, self-belief, and emotional resilience. Living alone for the first time, navigating uncertainty, and adapting to a completely different culture forced her to mature rapidly.&nbsp;That experience later helped her transition into the gruelling NCAA system, a world she believes many Indians underestimate. “People think NCAA is easy,” she says. “But most athletes there are Olympians, world medallists, and national record holders.” The demands are relentless. Krishna’s season often stretches from January to October with barely any breaks between competitions, training blocks, travel, and academic responsibilities. As a Master’s student at the University of Nevada, she balances lectures, assignments, recovery sessions, gym work, and elite competition almost every week. It is precisely why she calls herself a “16-year-old grandma.” “All I think about is track and field 24/7,” she laughs.<h2>‘I believe in manifestation’</h2>&nbsp;Now entering the outdoor season, Krishna has fixed her eyes firmly on India’s outdoor national record of 18.41m, a number she says she sees every morning on a sticker placed deliberately in her room. “I believe in manifestation,” she says. “My coach believes it’s achievable. My team believes in me. And I believe in the work we are putting in.” But records alone are not enough anymore.&nbsp;For Krishna, 2026 is a “year of redemption” because there remains one dream she has not fulfilled: standing on a podium while representing India. Despite years of competing at the senior level, she has often finished agonisingly close to medals without ever fully breaking through internationally for the national team. “I’ve never had the chance to wear India on my back on a podium,” she says. “That’s the fire that wakes me up every single day.”&nbsp;That hunger now fuels her preparations for the 2026 Asian Games, where she believes Indian athletics is ready to make a global statement. “I think Indian athletics is on the horizon,” Krishna says, referencing athletes like Neeraj Chopra, Tejaswin Shankar, and Jyothi Yarraji who have elevated India’s credibility internationally.&nbsp;And perhaps what makes Krishna especially compelling is the way she speaks about shot put itself. To outsiders, it appears brute and straightforward — raw power applied to a steel ball. Krishna sees something far more artistic. “Throwing is basically sprinting inside a seven-foot ring,” she signed off. “We’re trying to generate the same speed and force as sprinters, but in a tiny confined space while rotating.”

Krishna Jayasankar Menon became the first Indian woman to breach the 17m indoor shot put mark. The NCAA athlete now targets the Asian Games and India’s national record

At 23, Krishna Jayasankar Menon is not merely breaking records; she is reshaping the imagination of what Indian women in heavy athletics can become. The Chennai-born shot putter has emerged as one of the biggest stories in Indian track and field in 2026 after rewriting the Indian indoor national record three times in a matter of months. Her latest throw of 17.09m made her the first Indian woman ever to breach the 17-metre barrier indoors. Yet behind the statistics and medals lies a story built on resilience, reinvention, and relentless obsession. Krishna calls her relationship with throwing ‘complicated’. Some days she loves it. Other days, she wants to ‘kill it’. But perhaps that emotional tug-of-war is what has shaped the athlete she is becoming, someone willing to confront failure head-on instead of hiding from it. Born into a deeply sporting family, Krishna was introduced to elite competition almost before she understood it. Her parents, Jayasankar Menon and Prasanna Jayasankar, both captained India’s basketball teams, and sport became the foundation of the family’s identity and livelihood. “Sports were the breadwinner for our family,” she recalls. “My parents came from Kerala to Tamil Nadu through sports and built a life.” Krishna’s own journey into athletics started in the fifth grade when a physical education teacher spotted her potential at school in Chennai. What started as a scouting decision in 2012 eventually transformed into a 15-year commitment to one of athletics’ most technically demanding disciplines. But the road from Chennai school competitions to the NCAA circuit in the United States was far from smooth. For Krishna, 2024 became the defining turning point of her career, not because of triumph, but because of collapse. A fractured hand, recurring injuries, and a season without competition shattered her Olympic dreams and forced her into one of the darkest phases of her sporting life. After months away from competition, she entered the Mountain West Championships hoping for a breakthrough, only to foul every throw in discus. That moment changed her. “I told myself I was done preaching to be mediocre,” Krishna says bluntly. “That’s not why I left my country. That’s not why I left my family.” The transformation that followed was not purely technical. It was psychological. Krishna stopped blaming circumstances, stopped waiting for luck, and started taking ownership of every aspect of her training and mindset. She entered 2025 determined not simply to participate, but to dominate. And the results came quickly. Also Read: Who won yesterday's IPL 2026 match between Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings? Check result She became the first Indian female thrower to qualify for the NCAA Championships in discus throw, broke long-standing university records at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and carried that momentum into 2026, where she attacked the Indian indoor record repeatedly. But even Krishna admits she did not anticipate how quickly the progression would happen. Breaking the 17m barrier was a dream she had written in her diary, but not something she expected to accomplish in such emphatic fashion. “When I finally did it, I cried,” she says. “You fantasise about people throwing 17 metres. Then suddenly you realise you’re one of them.” ‘I had to leave India to understand my worth’ Her rise also carries a deeper personal significance. Growing up in Chennai, Krishna often faced body shaming and struggled with self-confidence. For years, she viewed her body through the lens of criticism instead of strength. That changed dramatically during her move to Jamaica at 18, a decision that would redefine her outlook on womanhood and identity. “I had to leave India to understand my worth,” she says. “In Jamaica, I saw women carry themselves with confidence and pride. That changed the way I looked at myself.” Jamaica became more than a training destination. It became the place where Krishna learned independence, self-belief, and emotional resilience. Living alone for the first time, navigating uncertainty, and adapting to a completely different culture forced her to mature rapidly. That experience later helped her transition into the gruelling NCAA system, a world she believes many Indians underestimate. “People think NCAA is easy,” she says. “But most athletes there are Olympians, world medallists, and national record holders.” The demands are relentless. Krishna’s season often stretches from January to October with barely any breaks between competitions, training blocks, travel, and academic responsibilities. As a Master’s student at the University of Nevada, she balances lectures, assignments, recovery sessions, gym work, and elite competition almost every week. It is precisely why she calls herself a “16-year-old grandma.” “All I think about is track and field 24/7,” she laughs. ‘I believe in manifestation’ Now entering the outdoor season, Krishna has fixed her eyes firmly on India’s outdoor national record of 18.41m, a number she says she sees every morning on a sticker placed deliberately in her room. “I believe in manifestation,” she says. “My coach believes it’s achievable. My team believes in me. And I believe in the work we are putting in.” But records alone are not enough anymore. For Krishna, 2026 is a “year of redemption” because there remains one dream she has not fulfilled: standing on a podium while representing India. Despite years of competing at the senior level, she has often finished agonisingly close to medals without ever fully breaking through internationally for the national team. “I’ve never had the chance to wear India on my back on a podium,” she says. “That’s the fire that wakes me up every single day.” That hunger now fuels her preparations for the 2026 Asian Games, where she believes Indian athletics is ready to make a global statement. “I think Indian athletics is on the horizon,” Krishna says, referencing athletes like Neeraj Chopra, Tejaswin Shankar, and Jyothi Yarraji who have elevated India’s credibility internationally. And perhaps what makes Krishna especially compelling is the way she speaks about shot put itself. To outsiders, it appears brute and straightforward — raw power applied to a steel ball. Krishna sees something far more artistic. “Throwing is basically sprinting inside a seven-foot ring,” she signed off. “We’re trying to generate the same speed and force as sprinters, but in a tiny confined space while rotating.”

Krishna Jayasankar Menon became the first Indian woman to cross the 17m mark indoors and now targets Asian Games glory in 2026

From body shaming to breaking records: Inside Krishna Jayasankar Menon's redemption year and Asian Games dream

India women’s hockey team goalkeeper Savita Punia believes the next few months could define the future of Indian women’s hockey as the team prepares for a packed international calendar featuring the Australia tour, the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup in Auckland, and the 2026 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup. Speaking ahead of the team’s departure for Australia, the veteran goalkeeper reflected on her comeback journey, the importance of fitness and discipline, and India’s growing hunger for major titles, especially the Asian Games gold medal, in an exclusive interview with WION.&nbsp;After spending months away from the national setup because of injury and personal reasons, Savita admitted that returning to international hockey was not easy. However, the experienced goalkeeper said the rehabilitation phase and exposure in Argentina helped rebuild her confidence before the crucial run of tournaments. “For a goalkeeper, footwork is everything after surgery and injury recovery. It was difficult initially, but the support of the coaching staff and the matches I played helped me regain rhythm,” Savita said, adding that mindset and fitness remain the biggest factors in making a successful comeback.&nbsp;India’s upcoming Australia tour is expected to serve as a key test before the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup, scheduled in Auckland from June 15 to June 21, and eventually the Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup in August. Savita believes these tournaments will provide the team with much-needed exposure against top-level opposition before the Asian Games. “We have to go tournament by tournament. Australia, Germany, Nations Cup, World Cup, every competition matters because they prepare us for the Asian Games,” she said.&nbsp;The experienced goalkeeper stressed that India’s biggest improvement area over the last few years has been fitness and recovery management. According to Savita, Indian women’s hockey has always possessed strong technical ability and attacking skills, but sustained fitness standards are what separate medal-winning teams from the rest. She credited the new support staff and trainers for improving the team’s conditioning standards while also highlighting the importance of penalty-corner defence, shootouts, and defensive structure in modern hockey. “Our attacking game has always been good. Now the focus is on defence, penalty-corner defence, and maintaining intensity throughout matches,” she explained.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-won-yesterdays-ipl-2026-match-between-kkr-vs-mumbai-indians-check-result-1779328843972">Who won yesterday's IPL 2026 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians? Check result</a>&nbsp;Savita also spoke candidly about the changing culture inside the Indian dressing room. Having spent nearly 15 years with the national team, she acknowledged that the environment today is far more open and communicative compared to the strict atmosphere during her early playing days. According to the goalkeeper, modern players respond better to communication and trust rather than fear-based discipline. She added that senior players now focus on creating a healthier atmosphere where younger athletes feel comfortable discussing problems and learning from experienced teammates. “The environment has changed a lot. Discipline is important, but communication matters equally. Young players should feel comfortable approaching seniors,” Savita said.&nbsp;The India veteran believes the current crop of young players will benefit immensely from high-pressure matches against top teams like Australia, Argentina, China, and the Netherlands. She pointed out that exposure at the highest level helps younger players understand the difference between training intensity and real match situations. Savita also dismissed suggestions that India suffers from a mental block against Asian rivals such as China, Japan, and South Korea. Instead, she insisted that the Indian team now approaches every opponent with confidence and tactical clarity. “China is a strong side, but we no longer enter matches thinking they are unbeatable. We focus on our structure, discipline, and execution,” she said.&nbsp;One of the strongest messages from the veteran goalkeeper was India’s determination to convert years of progress into major silverware. Savita admitted that while bronze and silver medals have brought pride, the squad is now targeting gold medals on the biggest stages. “We have bronze, silver, and bronze again. Now we want gold. That feeling is still missing,” she said.&nbsp;The veteran also praised the current coaching setup for creating a demanding yet motivating atmosphere inside the squad. She revealed that the coaching staff constantly pushes players to take ‘one extra step’ towards excellence and medal-winning consistency. Even after achieving multiple individual milestones over a long international career, Savita said her motivation remains unchanged. The dream of helping India win a major gold medal continues to drive her every day. “A player sacrifices everything for the team. I still want that gold-medal feeling, and I will continue working for it,” Savita signed off.

Indian women’s hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia opens up on her comeback, Australia tour, FIH Nations Cup, World Cup preparations, fitness focus, young players, and India’s Asian Games gold ambitions

India women’s hockey team goalkeeper Savita Punia believes the next few months could define the future of Indian women’s hockey as the team prepares for a packed international calendar featuring the Australia tour, the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup in Auckland, and the 2026 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup. Speaking ahead of the team’s departure for Australia, the veteran goalkeeper reflected on her comeback journey, the importance of fitness and discipline, and India’s growing hunger for major titles, especially the Asian Games gold medal, in an exclusive interview with WION. After spending months away from the national setup because of injury and personal reasons, Savita admitted that returning to international hockey was not easy. However, the experienced goalkeeper said the rehabilitation phase and exposure in Argentina helped rebuild her confidence before the crucial run of tournaments. “For a goalkeeper, footwork is everything after surgery and injury recovery. It was difficult initially, but the support of the coaching staff and the matches I played helped me regain rhythm,” Savita said, adding that mindset and fitness remain the biggest factors in making a successful comeback. India’s upcoming Australia tour is expected to serve as a key test before the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup, scheduled in Auckland from June 15 to June 21, and eventually the Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup in August. Savita believes these tournaments will provide the team with much-needed exposure against top-level opposition before the Asian Games. “We have to go tournament by tournament. Australia, Germany, Nations Cup, World Cup, every competition matters because they prepare us for the Asian Games,” she said. The experienced goalkeeper stressed that India’s biggest improvement area over the last few years has been fitness and recovery management. According to Savita, Indian women’s hockey has always possessed strong technical ability and attacking skills, but sustained fitness standards are what separate medal-winning teams from the rest. She credited the new support staff and trainers for improving the team’s conditioning standards while also highlighting the importance of penalty-corner defence, shootouts, and defensive structure in modern hockey. “Our attacking game has always been good. Now the focus is on defence, penalty-corner defence, and maintaining intensity throughout matches,” she explained. Also Read: Who won yesterday's IPL 2026 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians? Check result Savita also spoke candidly about the changing culture inside the Indian dressing room. Having spent nearly 15 years with the national team, she acknowledged that the environment today is far more open and communicative compared to the strict atmosphere during her early playing days. According to the goalkeeper, modern players respond better to communication and trust rather than fear-based discipline. She added that senior players now focus on creating a healthier atmosphere where younger athletes feel comfortable discussing problems and learning from experienced teammates. “The environment has changed a lot. Discipline is important, but communication matters equally. Young players should feel comfortable approaching seniors,” Savita said. The India veteran believes the current crop of young players will benefit immensely from high-pressure matches against top teams like Australia, Argentina, China, and the Netherlands. She pointed out that exposure at the highest level helps younger players understand the difference between training intensity and real match situations. Savita also dismissed suggestions that India suffers from a mental block against Asian rivals such as China, Japan, and South Korea. Instead, she insisted that the Indian team now approaches every opponent with confidence and tactical clarity. “China is a strong side, but we no longer enter matches thinking they are unbeatable. We focus on our structure, discipline, and execution,” she said. One of the strongest messages from the veteran goalkeeper was India’s determination to convert years of progress into major silverware. Savita admitted that while bronze and silver medals have brought pride, the squad is now targeting gold medals on the biggest stages. “We have bronze, silver, and bronze again. Now we want gold. That feeling is still missing,” she said. The veteran also praised the current coaching setup for creating a demanding yet motivating atmosphere inside the squad. She revealed that the coaching staff constantly pushes players to take ‘one extra step’ towards excellence and medal-winning consistency. Even after achieving multiple individual milestones over a long international career, Savita said her motivation remains unchanged. The dream of helping India win a major gold medal continues to drive her every day. “A player sacrifices everything for the team. I still want that gold-medal feeling, and I will continue working for it,” Savita signed off.

Indian women's hockey team goalkeeper Savita Punia says the squad is targeting a Gold medal in the 2026 Asian Games through the Australia tour, Nations Cup, and World Cup preparations

'We have bronze and silver, now we want gold', says Savita Punia on Asian Games goal

Some dreams end quietly. And then some dreams refuse to die. Narengbam Lakshmi Devi’s Olympic dream belongs to the second category. Fourteen years after missing out on Olympic qualification, the pain still survives somewhere inside her. It appears briefly in her pauses, in the way she talks about ‘margins’, and in the silence that follows whenever 2012 is mentioned. Back then, she was not a coach standing beside India’s women rowers. She was one of them, a girl from Manipur carrying impossible hopes on narrow shoulders. She had already travelled further than most people from her village ever imagined possible.&nbsp;A fisherman’s daughter. A lower-middle-class household. Old equipment. Limited facilities. No qualified coaches. No certainty that rowing would ever change her life. Yet every morning, she kept rowing. Because somewhere in those waters, she had found belief. “We thought if we pushed a little more, we could achieve something,” Lakshmi Devi said in an exclusive conversation with WION during a training session at the rowing facility in Inspire Institute of Sport. That belief carried her from Manipur to the Indian national camp in 2011. Suddenly, the Olympics no longer felt impossible.&nbsp;For athletes growing up in privilege, Olympic qualification is often viewed as a sporting target. For athletes like Lakshmi Devi, it becomes something much bigger: escape, identity, dignity, and proof that life can change. She remembers the fear of leaving home more than the races themselves. “There was a language problem. We were scared to go outside,” she recalls. But fear was easier to fight than poverty. Her father worked as a fisherman. Money was scarce. Opportunities even scarcer. Sport became survival. In Manipur, she says, many youngsters enter sports because it offers one thing families desperately need: jobs through the sports quota system. But Lakshmi Devi wanted something bigger. She wanted the Olympics. And for a while, it felt within touching distance.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-meeting-to-be-held-in-ahmedabad-during-ipl-final-will-pakistan-chief-mohsin-naqvi-attend-1778924276969">ICC meeting to be held in Ahmedabad during IPL final; will Pakistan chief Mohsin Naqvi attend?</a>&nbsp;She competed internationally, represented India at major events, and continued fighting through years where India’s rowing camps lacked continuity and support systems remained inconsistent. Still, she kept going. Then came the heartbreak. Qualification slipped away. Not because she lacked effort. Not because she lacked hunger. Sometimes elite sport can simply be cruel. “I gave 100 percent. I wanted to qualify for the Olympics,” she says. She could not do it in 2012. She could not do it in 2016 either. For many athletes, this is where the story fades. They leave camps, take stable jobs, and slowly move away from sport because sport moves away from them first.&nbsp;Lakshmi Devi almost did the same. Her family wanted her to apply for jobs in the central forces, a stable salary, and a stable future. But she could not leave rowing behind. Because rowing had already become her identity. “Rowing gave me everything,” she says. So instead of walking away from the sport, she walked deeper into it.She became a coach. And perhaps that decision changed Indian women’s rowing more than her own Olympic qualification ever could have.&nbsp;Back in Manipur, Lakshmi Devi realised there were barely any coaches guiding young girls in rowing. So she decided to become the person she herself never had, a mentor, a guide, and someone who could make young athletes believe. She formally studied coaching, joined the NIS programme, and slowly started building rowers from scratch. Not with world-class infrastructure. Not with modern boats or elite systems. Sometimes with equipment that had existed since 2006. Sometimes with girls who had never even imagined rowing as a career.&nbsp;But Lakshmi Devi understood something important: talent in India is not the problem. Opportunity is. One of the first athletes she spotted was Priya, a young athlete from athletics whose physique convinced Lakshmi Devi she could become a rower. She persuaded families, built trust, and convinced girls to take a chance on a sport few people understood. Slowly, she started creating athletes who dreamed bigger than she once could. Now, when she talks about the current Indian women’s rowing team, she sounds less like a coach and more like someone protecting a shared dream.&nbsp;“There are young girls now… Gauri, Malem, and Priya. Our main vision is to qualify for the Olympics,” she says. Then comes the line that truly explains her life. “If not me, then my children.” She is not talking about biological children. She means her athletes. The girls she trains. The girls whose boats now carry the weight of her unfinished dream. That is why Olympic qualification means something different to her now.&nbsp;If India’s women rowers qualify for Los Angeles 2028 or Brisbane 2032, Lakshmi Devi will not officially become an Olympian. But emotionally, a part of her journey will finally reach the destination it missed years ago. “If they qualify, we are blessed. Our hard work has paid off,” she says. There is no bitterness in her voice. Only purpose. Perhaps because she now understands something many athletes spend lifetimes trying to learn, dreams do not always belong to one person forever. Sometimes they are passed down. From athlete to athlete. From coach to student. From one boat to another.&nbsp;Indian rowing still struggles for visibility. Lakshmi Devi knows it. The women’s competition pool remains small compared to the men’s side, while sponsorship and public attention are still limited. But she also believes change is coming. More competitions. More exposure. More support. More girls are daring to believe they belong in rowing. And perhaps that belief itself is her greatest achievement.&nbsp;Because years ago, a frightened girl from Manipur once entered a boat hoping sport would change her life. Today, she stands beside India’s women rowers trying to change theirs. And somewhere between those two journeys, Narengbam Lakshmi Devi discovered that maybe the Olympics were never only about reaching the Games.Maybe they were about giving someone else the courage to dream of them.

Narengbam Lakshmi Devi missed Olympic qualification as an athlete in 2012. Today, the former rower from Manipur is coaching India’s women’s rowing team with one dream: taking them to the Olympics

Some dreams end quietly. And then some dreams refuse to die. Narengbam Lakshmi Devi’s Olympic dream belongs to the second category. Fourteen years after missing out on Olympic qualification, the pain still survives somewhere inside her. It appears briefly in her pauses, in the way she talks about ‘margins’, and in the silence that follows whenever 2012 is mentioned. Back then, she was not a coach standing beside India’s women rowers. She was one of them, a girl from Manipur carrying impossible hopes on narrow shoulders. She had already travelled further than most people from her village ever imagined possible. A fisherman’s daughter. A lower-middle-class household. Old equipment. Limited facilities. No qualified coaches. No certainty that rowing would ever change her life. Yet every morning, she kept rowing. Because somewhere in those waters, she had found belief. “We thought if we pushed a little more, we could achieve something,” Lakshmi Devi said in an exclusive conversation with WION during a training session at the rowing facility in Inspire Institute of Sport. That belief carried her from Manipur to the Indian national camp in 2011. Suddenly, the Olympics no longer felt impossible. For athletes growing up in privilege, Olympic qualification is often viewed as a sporting target. For athletes like Lakshmi Devi, it becomes something much bigger: escape, identity, dignity, and proof that life can change. She remembers the fear of leaving home more than the races themselves. “There was a language problem. We were scared to go outside,” she recalls. But fear was easier to fight than poverty. Her father worked as a fisherman. Money was scarce. Opportunities even scarcer. Sport became survival. In Manipur, she says, many youngsters enter sports because it offers one thing families desperately need: jobs through the sports quota system. But Lakshmi Devi wanted something bigger. She wanted the Olympics. And for a while, it felt within touching distance. Also Read: ICC meeting to be held in Ahmedabad during IPL final; will Pakistan chief Mohsin Naqvi attend? She competed internationally, represented India at major events, and continued fighting through years where India’s rowing camps lacked continuity and support systems remained inconsistent. Still, she kept going. Then came the heartbreak. Qualification slipped away. Not because she lacked effort. Not because she lacked hunger. Sometimes elite sport can simply be cruel. “I gave 100 percent. I wanted to qualify for the Olympics,” she says. She could not do it in 2012. She could not do it in 2016 either. For many athletes, this is where the story fades. They leave camps, take stable jobs, and slowly move away from sport because sport moves away from them first. Lakshmi Devi almost did the same. Her family wanted her to apply for jobs in the central forces, a stable salary, and a stable future. But she could not leave rowing behind. Because rowing had already become her identity. “Rowing gave me everything,” she says. So instead of walking away from the sport, she walked deeper into it. She became a coach. And perhaps that decision changed Indian women’s rowing more than her own Olympic qualification ever could have. Back in Manipur, Lakshmi Devi realised there were barely any coaches guiding young girls in rowing. So she decided to become the person she herself never had, a mentor, a guide, and someone who could make young athletes believe. She formally studied coaching, joined the NIS programme, and slowly started building rowers from scratch. Not with world-class infrastructure. Not with modern boats or elite systems. Sometimes with equipment that had existed since 2006. Sometimes with girls who had never even imagined rowing as a career. But Lakshmi Devi understood something important: talent in India is not the problem. Opportunity is. One of the first athletes she spotted was Priya, a young athlete from athletics whose physique convinced Lakshmi Devi she could become a rower. She persuaded families, built trust, and convinced girls to take a chance on a sport few people understood. Slowly, she started creating athletes who dreamed bigger than she once could. Now, when she talks about the current Indian women’s rowing team, she sounds less like a coach and more like someone protecting a shared dream. “There are young girls now… Gauri, Malem, and Priya. Our main vision is to qualify for the Olympics,” she says. Then comes the line that truly explains her life. “If not me, then my children.” She is not talking about biological children. She means her athletes. The girls she trains. The girls whose boats now carry the weight of her unfinished dream. That is why Olympic qualification means something different to her now. If India’s women rowers qualify for Los Angeles 2028 or Brisbane 2032, Lakshmi Devi will not officially become an Olympian. But emotionally, a part of her journey will finally reach the destination it missed years ago. “If they qualify, we are blessed. Our hard work has paid off,” she says. There is no bitterness in her voice. Only purpose. Perhaps because she now understands something many athletes spend lifetimes trying to learn, dreams do not always belong to one person forever. Sometimes they are passed down. From athlete to athlete. From coach to student. From one boat to another. Indian rowing still struggles for visibility. Lakshmi Devi knows it. The women’s competition pool remains small compared to the men’s side, while sponsorship and public attention are still limited. But she also believes change is coming. More competitions. More exposure. More support. More girls are daring to believe they belong in rowing. And perhaps that belief itself is her greatest achievement. Because years ago, a frightened girl from Manipur once entered a boat hoping sport would change her life. Today, she stands beside India’s women rowers trying to change theirs. And somewhere between those two journeys, Narengbam Lakshmi Devi discovered that maybe the Olympics were never only about reaching the Games. Maybe they were about giving someone else the courage to dream of them.

Manipur's Narengbam Lakshmi Devi missed her Olympic dream as a rower by the barest of margins. Now, she is chasing it again by coaching India’s women rowers

She couldn’t reach the Olympics herself. Now she wants India’s women to make history. The story of Narengbam Lakshmi Devi

The drive to the rowing facility at the Inspire Institute of Sport, Vijayanagar, does not feel like a journey towards a high-performance sports centre at first. The road turns rough, gravel crunching beneath the tyres as the vehicle slowly climbs towards the top of the dam, almost like driving up a rugged hillside. The path is uneven, isolated, and dusty, surrounded by rocky Bellary terrain that looks untouched by time. But then comes the first glimpse of the lake, and suddenly the entire landscape changes.&nbsp;It was barely six in the morning when the first signs of activity appeared. Before the sun had properly risen over the hills, athletes were already out warming up. Some jogged slowly along the gravel pathways, others stretched in silence, preparing their bodies for another demanding session on the water. That first sight said everything about the culture of the place. While most of the world was still waking up, rowers here had already started their day chasing fractions of improvement. And then the lake opened up in front of us. Calm, endless, and almost perfectly still, with rowing shells gliding across the water beneath a pale morning sky.&nbsp;&nbsp;On the floating docks, there is constant movement. Athletes tighten foot straps, adjust oars, balance shells, and push themselves into another session before the day properly begins. Coaches observe every detail, every stroke cycle, every recovery movement. Rowers disappear into the distance, tiny figures against the vast reservoir and barren hills. The facility carries a rawness that makes the sport feel authentic, no noise, no glamour, just athletes, water, and work. What makes this place special is the contrast it offers. The harsh terrain of Vijayanagar stands beside remarkably peaceful waters. One moment, athletes are warming up on gravel pathways beneath rugged hillsides; the next, they are cutting across a serene lake that mirrors the morning sky. It is demanding, isolated, and beautiful all at once, exactly the kind of environment where Olympic dreams are quietly shaped, one stroke at a time.<h2>‘Rowers are heavily dependent on carbohydrates’</h2>But beneath every training session lies an equally demanding system that most people never see. Every morning, while most of the city is still asleep, India’s rowers are already preparing for battle on the water. Standing quietly behind every stroke, every recovery session, and every race strategy is sports nutritionist Natanya Bhatt, whose work begins long before the athletes even enter the boat. “Rowers are heavily dependent on carbohydrates,” Natanya explains, breaking down the science behind one of the most physically demanding sports in the Olympic ecosystem.&nbsp;For the rowing team, nutrition is not simply about eating healthy. It is a calculated performance strategy. A regular training day starts with multiple pre-training fueling phases beginning as early as 5:30 am with bread, jam, peanut butter, bananas, and carbohydrate-rich hydration drinks. By the time the athletes hit the water at 7 am, their bodies are already being prepared for high-intensity exertion. But the challenge, Natanya says, is that no two athletes are the same.&nbsp;“Each rower has different requirements depending on body weight and individual training requirements,” she says, pointing to the varying demands between athletes competing in singles, doubles, and fours events. The workload is relentless. Multiple sessions across the day leave little room for recovery, making nutrition one of the biggest performance differentiators. Whey protein immediately after training, carbohydrate replenishment between sessions, and hydration monitoring become essential to ensure athletes are not carrying fatigue into the next session.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-won-yesterdays-ipl-2026-match-between-delhi-capitals-vs-pbks-check-result-1778552995788">Who won yesterday's IPL 2026 match between Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings? check result</a>&nbsp;According to Natanya, rowing athletes consume nearly six grams of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight on normal training days. Ahead of competition, that number can rise sharply to as high as 12 grams per kilogram as athletes carbo-load to maximize stored muscle glycogen, the body’s primary fuel source during racing.And if recovery is ignored, the consequences can become serious.&nbsp;Natanya highlights a growing concern in elite sport called RED-S, Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, a clinical condition caused by inadequate fueling and poor recovery. The effects can range from fatigue and low performance to hormonal, hematological, and psychological disturbances. For her, recovery stands on three pillars: nutrition, recovery therapies, and sleep. “It’s not just nutrition, it’s a combination of all three,” she says, referring to ice baths, saunas, and structured sleep schedules that complement the athletes’ diet plans.&nbsp;The level of personalisation inside the programme is extensive. Every athlete undergoes DEXA scans to analyse fat mass, lean mass, bone density, and bone mineral content. Hydration tests are conducted every two to three weeks because sweat rates and sodium losses differ from athlete to athlete. Some rowers may require additional strength training for hypertrophy. Others may need higher calcium and vitamin D intake to improve bone density and withstand training load. Every nutritional adjustment is tied directly to performance goals.&nbsp;Which is why, when the rowers glide through the water at sunrise, there is far more happening beneath the surface than just power and endurance. Behind every stroke is a carefully engineered system of fueling, recovery, and science. And now, for perhaps the first time in years, India’s women’s rowing programme is beginning to show signs that all of it may finally be translating into something bigger, medals.<h2>'People should know that Indian rowers can win medals'</h2>“The athletes are not qualified individually, the boats are,” says women’s national rowing coach Ratheesh DB, explaining one of rowing’s unique dynamics. India has already secured qualification in the women’s Coxless Pair and Double Sculls events, but the final athlete combinations for the Asian Games are still being decided.“We still have four to five months to select the best athletes,” he says. Among those currently leading the race are Suman and Diljot in the Coxless Pair, while Poonam and Priya remain strong contenders in the Double Sculls category. Priya comes from Manipur, while Poonam emerged through the MP Academy system; two athletes from entirely different backgrounds are now united by the same ambition.&nbsp;That diversity is something Ratheesh values deeply. Manipur, despite not traditionally being associated with rowing, has steadily produced talent because of its geography and long relationship with water sports. “There were rowing centres there even before the 2009 National Games,” he recalls. But Indian women’s rowing has spent years fighting structural limitations. “Earlier, women were not promoted much,” Ratheesh says bluntly.&nbsp;Crews were trained in separate centres, and combinations were assembled only before competitions, and athletes rarely spent enough time together to build chemistry. In a sport where synchronization is everything, that lack of continuity proved costly. “In 90 days, it was very difficult to make a good crew combination,” he says. India’s women won an Asian Games rowing medal in 2010 before enduring a long drought. Meanwhile, the men’s programme, supported heavily through Army structures, enjoyed far greater consistency because athletes trained together for years.&nbsp;Women rarely had that advantage. For Ratheesh, synchronization is the soul of rowing, and it begins long before athletes even touch the water. “We do small exercises on indoor rowing machines and repeat them during warm-ups in the boat,” he explains. Those repetitive drills are designed to perfect rhythm, timing, and body movement. The finer details matter enormously in a sport where fractions of a second separate medals from heartbreak.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-curacao-coach-fred-rutten-resigns-a-month-before-tournament-kickoff-1778551834043">FIFA World Cup 2026 | Curacao coach Fred Rutten resigns a month before tournament kickoff</a>&nbsp;According to Ratheesh, one of the most common technical mistakes young rowers make is failing to maintain the correct body sequence. “Hand, body, and seat sequence is the most basic thing,” he says. “Every movement in rowing is connected to the previous movement.” That obsession with detail perhaps comes from his own story. At 15, Ratheesh was a volleyball player. But limitations in height eventually pushed him away from the sport. In 1996, he shifted to water sports, won medals at the junior level, and later joined the Army as a rower.&nbsp;“Compared to other sports, getting into the national team in rowing was not that tough at that time,” he says. Today, as a coach, he believes Indian rowing cannot afford to remain stuck in outdated systems. “I don’t want athletes to train the way we trained 10 years ago,” he says, emphasizing the importance of modern international techniques and evolving training methods.&nbsp;He also dismisses one of rowing’s biggest myths, that it is purely an upper-body sport. “People think rowing is all about hands,” he says. “But coordination is everything.”He points out how older generations of Indian rowers suffered frequent back injuries because of outdated equipment and poor infrastructure. Modern rowing systems, he says, have significantly improved athlete safety and biomechanics.&nbsp;Still, the biggest battle remains visibility and funding. “Every boat costs ₹10-15 lakh,” Ratheesh says. Building a rowing centre can cost upwards of ₹1.5 crore. Without regular international medals, many states hesitate to invest heavily in the sport. Yet there are signs of momentum.&nbsp;Indian women have started winning medals again at the Asian Championships. Talent identification is improving. Athletes from states like Punjab and Manipur are emerging consistently. For the first time in years, women’s rowing in India feels less like an afterthought and more like a serious long-term project. The sport may still exist outside the mainstream. Cricket, badminton, and wrestling dominate headlines while rowing continues to function quietly in the background.&nbsp;But inside the calm waters of Vijayanagar, there is a growing belief that this silence may not last forever. “People should know that Indian rowers can win medals,” Ratheesh signed off smilingly.

From sunrise training sessions at IIS Bellary to advanced nutrition, synchronization drills, and Olympic ambitions, inside the rise of India’s women’s rowing programme under coach Ratheesh DB and nutritionist Natanya Bhatt

The drive to the rowing facility at the Inspire Institute of Sport, Vijayanagar, does not feel like a journey towards a high-performance sports centre at first. The road turns rough, gravel crunching beneath the tyres as the vehicle slowly climbs towards the top of the dam, almost like driving up a rugged hillside. The path is uneven, isolated, and dusty, surrounded by rocky Bellary terrain that looks untouched by time. But then comes the first glimpse of the lake, and suddenly the entire landscape changes. It was barely six in the morning when the first signs of activity appeared. Before the sun had properly risen over the hills, athletes were already out warming up. Some jogged slowly along the gravel pathways, others stretched in silence, preparing their bodies for another demanding session on the water. That first sight said everything about the culture of the place. While most of the world was still waking up, rowers here had already started their day chasing fractions of improvement. And then the lake opened up in front of us. Calm, endless, and almost perfectly still, with rowing shells gliding across the water beneath a pale morning sky. On the floating docks, there is constant movement. Athletes tighten foot straps, adjust oars, balance shells, and push themselves into another session before the day properly begins. Coaches observe every detail, every stroke cycle, every recovery movement. Rowers disappear into the distance, tiny figures against the vast reservoir and barren hills. The facility carries a rawness that makes the sport feel authentic, no noise, no glamour, just athletes, water, and work. What makes this place special is the contrast it offers. The harsh terrain of Vijayanagar stands beside remarkably peaceful waters. One moment, athletes are warming up on gravel pathways beneath rugged hillsides; the next, they are cutting across a serene lake that mirrors the morning sky. It is demanding, isolated, and beautiful all at once, exactly the kind of environment where Olympic dreams are quietly shaped, one stroke at a time. ‘Rowers are heavily dependent on carbohydrates’ But beneath every training session lies an equally demanding system that most people never see. Every morning, while most of the city is still asleep, India’s rowers are already preparing for battle on the water. Standing quietly behind every stroke, every recovery session, and every race strategy is sports nutritionist Natanya Bhatt, whose work begins long before the athletes even enter the boat. “Rowers are heavily dependent on carbohydrates,” Natanya explains, breaking down the science behind one of the most physically demanding sports in the Olympic ecosystem. For the rowing team, nutrition is not simply about eating healthy. It is a calculated performance strategy. A regular training day starts with multiple pre-training fueling phases beginning as early as 5:30 am with bread, jam, peanut butter, bananas, and carbohydrate-rich hydration drinks. By the time the athletes hit the water at 7 am, their bodies are already being prepared for high-intensity exertion. But the challenge, Natanya says, is that no two athletes are the same. “Each rower has different requirements depending on body weight and individual training requirements,” she says, pointing to the varying demands between athletes competing in singles, doubles, and fours events. The workload is relentless. Multiple sessions across the day leave little room for recovery, making nutrition one of the biggest performance differentiators. Whey protein immediately after training, carbohydrate replenishment between sessions, and hydration monitoring become essential to ensure athletes are not carrying fatigue into the next session. Also Read: Who won yesterday's IPL 2026 match between Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings? check result According to Natanya, rowing athletes consume nearly six grams of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight on normal training days. Ahead of competition, that number can rise sharply to as high as 12 grams per kilogram as athletes carbo-load to maximize stored muscle glycogen, the body’s primary fuel source during racing. And if recovery is ignored, the consequences can become serious. Natanya highlights a growing concern in elite sport called RED-S, Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, a clinical condition caused by inadequate fueling and poor recovery. The effects can range from fatigue and low performance to hormonal, hematological, and psychological disturbances. For her, recovery stands on three pillars: nutrition, recovery therapies, and sleep. “It’s not just nutrition, it’s a combination of all three,” she says, referring to ice baths, saunas, and structured sleep schedules that complement the athletes’ diet plans. The level of personalisation inside the programme is extensive. Every athlete undergoes DEXA scans to analyse fat mass, lean mass, bone density, and bone mineral content. Hydration tests are conducted every two to three weeks because sweat rates and sodium losses differ from athlete to athlete. Some rowers may require additional strength training for hypertrophy. Others may need higher calcium and vitamin D intake to improve bone density and withstand training load. Every nutritional adjustment is tied directly to performance goals. Which is why, when the rowers glide through the water at sunrise, there is far more happening beneath the surface than just power and endurance. Behind every stroke is a carefully engineered system of fueling, recovery, and science. And now, for perhaps the first time in years, India’s women’s rowing programme is beginning to show signs that all of it may finally be translating into something bigger, medals. 'People should know that Indian rowers can win medals' “The athletes are not qualified individually, the boats are,” says women’s national rowing coach Ratheesh DB, explaining one of rowing’s unique dynamics. India has already secured qualification in the women’s Coxless Pair and Double Sculls events, but the final athlete combinations for the Asian Games are still being decided. “We still have four to five months to select the best athletes,” he says. Among those currently leading the race are Suman and Diljot in the Coxless Pair, while Poonam and Priya remain strong contenders in the Double Sculls category. Priya comes from Manipur, while Poonam emerged through the MP Academy system; two athletes from entirely different backgrounds are now united by the same ambition. That diversity is something Ratheesh values deeply. Manipur, despite not traditionally being associated with rowing, has steadily produced talent because of its geography and long relationship with water sports. “There were rowing centres there even before the 2009 National Games,” he recalls. But Indian women’s rowing has spent years fighting structural limitations. “Earlier, women were not promoted much,” Ratheesh says bluntly. Crews were trained in separate centres, and combinations were assembled only before competitions, and athletes rarely spent enough time together to build chemistry. In a sport where synchronization is everything, that lack of continuity proved costly. “In 90 days, it was very difficult to make a good crew combination,” he says. India’s women won an Asian Games rowing medal in 2010 before enduring a long drought. Meanwhile, the men’s programme, supported heavily through Army structures, enjoyed far greater consistency because athletes trained together for years. Women rarely had that advantage. For Ratheesh, synchronization is the soul of rowing, and it begins long before athletes even touch the water. “We do small exercises on indoor rowing machines and repeat them during warm-ups in the boat,” he explains. Those repetitive drills are designed to perfect rhythm, timing, and body movement. The finer details matter enormously in a sport where fractions of a second separate medals from heartbreak. Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 | Curacao coach Fred Rutten resigns a month before tournament kickoff According to Ratheesh, one of the most common technical mistakes young rowers make is failing to maintain the correct body sequence. “Hand, body, and seat sequence is the most basic thing,” he says. “Every movement in rowing is connected to the previous movement.” That obsession with detail perhaps comes from his own story. At 15, Ratheesh was a volleyball player. But limitations in height eventually pushed him away from the sport. In 1996, he shifted to water sports, won medals at the junior level, and later joined the Army as a rower. “Compared to other sports, getting into the national team in rowing was not that tough at that time,” he says. Today, as a coach, he believes Indian rowing cannot afford to remain stuck in outdated systems. “I don’t want athletes to train the way we trained 10 years ago,” he says, emphasizing the importance of modern international techniques and evolving training methods. He also dismisses one of rowing’s biggest myths, that it is purely an upper-body sport. “People think rowing is all about hands,” he says. “But coordination is everything.” He points out how older generations of Indian rowers suffered frequent back injuries because of outdated equipment and poor infrastructure. Modern rowing systems, he says, have significantly improved athlete safety and biomechanics. Still, the biggest battle remains visibility and funding. “Every boat costs ₹10-15 lakh,” Ratheesh says. Building a rowing centre can cost upwards of ₹1.5 crore. Without regular international medals, many states hesitate to invest heavily in the sport. Yet there are signs of momentum. Indian women have started winning medals again at the Asian Championships. Talent identification is improving. Athletes from states like Punjab and Manipur are emerging consistently. For the first time in years, women’s rowing in India feels less like an afterthought and more like a serious long-term project. The sport may still exist outside the mainstream. Cricket, badminton, and wrestling dominate headlines while rowing continues to function quietly in the background. But inside the calm waters of Vijayanagar, there is a growing belief that this silence may not last forever. “People should know that Indian rowers can win medals,” Ratheesh signed off smilingly.

Ahead of the Asian Games 2026, India’s women rowers are combining science, nutrition, and relentless training to chase medals

Inside India’s women’s rowing revolution: Science, sacrifice and the hunt for medals

For Ashu Malik, the road to the 2026 Asian Games isn’t just about mat sessions; it’s about redefining preparation altogether. At the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), Malik has found a system that pushes him beyond the rhythms of the Pro Kabaddi League. “The difference starts with discipline,” he explained in an exclusive interview with WION. Unlike the unpredictable diets during league travel, IIS offers tailored nutrition, controlled environments, and structured recovery systems. From sauna baths to ice recovery and pool sessions, the emphasis is clear: performance is built off the mat as much as on it.&nbsp;But Malik isn’t just relying on facilities; he’s dissecting his own game. Speed and conditioning have become central to his focus, especially given the physical toll kabaddi demands. “Sometimes it’s small technical gaps, like not reaching a defender or missing a bonus because of a leg lift,” he says. “These are the margins I want to improve.” Training alongside 40-plus elite players has added another dimension. Kabaddi’s inherently team-driven nature means feedback is instant and constant. Teammates analyse raids in real time, offering tactical insights that a raider might miss in the moment. That collective intelligence, Malik believes, is invaluable.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2026-kohli-creates-run-scoring-history-9000-runs-amid-rcb-s-bowling-masterclass-vs-dc-1777344524614">IPL 2026 | Kohli creates run-scoring history amid RCB's bowling masterclass vs DC</a>&nbsp;Then there’s the presence of seasoned stars like Pawan Sehrawat and Naveen Kumar. For Malik, the dynamic is less hierarchical and more collaborative. “We learn from each other. Sometimes I ask them questions, sometimes they ask me. That exchange helps everyone grow.” One of the biggest takeaways from the camp has been a renewed respect for recovery. Malik emphasises that training without proper rest is counterproductive. Strength and conditioning, often overlooked by already-fit players, has also become a non-negotiable part of his routine, crucial for longevity and injury prevention.&nbsp;Looking ahead, Malik is clear-eyed about India’s biggest threat. “Iran will be our toughest competition,” he says, pointing to the familiarity both teams share due to overlapping leagues and exposure. But that familiarity cuts both ways; India knows Iran just as well. Among the emerging talents, Malik singles out Deepak Shankar as one to watch, a young player already making a strong impression in camp and tipped for a bright future. In a sport where margins are razor-thin, Malik’s preparation shows a shift in Indian kabaddi’s approach, more scientific, more holistic, and more relentless than ever before.

Kabaddi star Ashu Malik shares insights on training at Inspire Institute of Sport, recovery techniques, team dynamics, and India’s preparation for the Asian Games

For Ashu Malik, the road to the 2026 Asian Games isn’t just about mat sessions; it’s about redefining preparation altogether. At the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), Malik has found a system that pushes him beyond the rhythms of the Pro Kabaddi League. “The difference starts with discipline,” he explained in an exclusive interview with WION. Unlike the unpredictable diets during league travel, IIS offers tailored nutrition, controlled environments, and structured recovery systems. From sauna baths to ice recovery and pool sessions, the emphasis is clear: performance is built off the mat as much as on it. But Malik isn’t just relying on facilities; he’s dissecting his own game. Speed and conditioning have become central to his focus, especially given the physical toll kabaddi demands. “Sometimes it’s small technical gaps, like not reaching a defender or missing a bonus because of a leg lift,” he says. “These are the margins I want to improve.” Training alongside 40-plus elite players has added another dimension. Kabaddi’s inherently team-driven nature means feedback is instant and constant. Teammates analyse raids in real time, offering tactical insights that a raider might miss in the moment. That collective intelligence, Malik believes, is invaluable. Also Read: IPL 2026 | Kohli creates run-scoring history amid RCB's bowling masterclass vs DC Then there’s the presence of seasoned stars like Pawan Sehrawat and Naveen Kumar. For Malik, the dynamic is less hierarchical and more collaborative. “We learn from each other. Sometimes I ask them questions, sometimes they ask me. That exchange helps everyone grow.” One of the biggest takeaways from the camp has been a renewed respect for recovery. Malik emphasises that training without proper rest is counterproductive. Strength and conditioning, often overlooked by already-fit players, has also become a non-negotiable part of his routine, crucial for longevity and injury prevention. Looking ahead, Malik is clear-eyed about India’s biggest threat. “Iran will be our toughest competition,” he says, pointing to the familiarity both teams share due to overlapping leagues and exposure. But that familiarity cuts both ways; India knows Iran just as well. Among the emerging talents, Malik singles out Deepak Shankar as one to watch, a young player already making a strong impression in camp and tipped for a bright future. In a sport where margins are razor-thin, Malik’s preparation shows a shift in Indian kabaddi’s approach, more scientific, more holistic, and more relentless than ever before.

Indian kabaddi player Ashu Malik opens up on elite training at IIS, focus on recovery, speed, and technique, and India’s biggest challenge at the upcoming Asian Games: Iran.

'Strength, speed, recovery': Ashu Malik breaks down elite kabaddi training before Asian Games

Inside a high-performance training facility, Sonali Shingate drives forward on a synthetic track, weaving through cones with sharp, deliberate strides. Each movement is calculated, explosive, far removed from the dusty grounds where her journey started all those years back. This is not just training. It is a transformation. &nbsp;Because for Shingate, kabaddi was never a carefully planned pursuit; it was a choice born out of necessity. Growing up in Mumbai, with roots in a small village in Kolhapur, her early life was shaped by financial hardship. “My father was a security guard. My mother was handicapped… we used to live on rent,” she recalled. Cricket interested her, but it came with costs her family couldn’t afford. “Kabaddi was a free sport… just one short and a t-shirt.”&nbsp; &nbsp;What started as an extra activity after Class 12 quickly turned into a pathway. From college kabaddi to representing Maharashtra, a silver medal at the junior nationals, and eventually a job with Railways, Shingate steadily climbed the ranks to the national team. &nbsp;Her breakthrough came at the 2018 Asian Games, her first international tournament. “I wore the India jersey for the first time,” she said. But the moment was bittersweet. India fell short in the final against Iran, settling for silver.&nbsp;If 2018 left her wanting more, 2023 denied her a chance altogether. A serious injury just days before the Asian Games ruled her out. “Ten days before the tournament, I had a full grade tear. So I couldn’t go,” she said. &nbsp;The comeback, however, has been defining. After surgery and rehabilitation, Shingate returned to contribute to India’s gold-winning campaign at the World Cup, restoring confidence and sharpening her focus on unfinished business at the Asian Games. “We have more confidence now,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl-reporter-dianna-russini-resigns-from-the-athletic-after-photos-with-new-england-patriots-coach-mike-vrabel-at-arizona-resort-1776204325355">NFL reporter Dianna Russini resigns from The Athletic after photos with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at Arizona resort</a>&nbsp;Now, that journey is entering a new phase, one driven not just by effort, but by awareness at Inspire Institute of Sport in Bellary. “I myself take supplements, but the rest of the ladies athletes don’t,” she said. “So it was good for them to learn which supplements to take, like protein, creatine, glutamine.” That awareness extended beyond nutrition. The camp introduced players to recovery methods they had rarely experienced before. “In the evening, we had a recovery session of sleeping, an ice bath, or swimming. We did all these things for the first time in the camp,” she explained.&nbsp; More importantly, the emphasis on strength and conditioning is beginning to reshape how players approach the sport. “The strength and conditioning they taught us… with which we can prevent injuries… these things are useful,” Shingate noted.<h2>Drills and conditioning redefine preparation</h2>For Shingate, the biggest shift has come through structured drills, an area she believes had been largely overlooked. “The biggest thing we found here was drills, which we never do. From which we came to know that if we do drills well, then our speed and quick movement… will come faster,” she said. &nbsp;In a sport defined by explosive bursts and rapid reactions, that understanding could prove decisive. Conditioning, too, has emerged as a critical component. &nbsp;“If our body contact is a game, then how fit we should be for body contact… that improved because of conditioning,” she explained. &nbsp;For Shingate personally, it meant confronting a gap in her own preparation. “The conditioning thing… I came to know by coming here that I should work on conditioning,” she admitted. The results have been immediate. “I feel better that my speed and endurance have also increased because of conditioning.”<h2>Asian Games focus and the road ahead</h2>As India builds towards the 2026 Asian Games, the lessons from the camp extend beyond physical preparation to mindset and environment. “The coaches here are free. There is no fear or pressure. We enjoyed the workout,” Shingate said, highlighting a more open and engaging training setup. &nbsp;At the same time, she remains aware of the growing competition. “I think Chinese Taipei is a good team. We will have to think about them in the Asian Games,” she said.&nbsp; For Sonali Shingate, the journey has always been about overcoming limitations, whether it was access to sport, opportunities at the elite level, or now, adapting to a more scientific approach to training. And as she powers through drills on that track, the message is clear: Indian kabaddi is evolving, and so is she.

Sonali Shingate reveals how scientific training, conditioning, and recovery methods are transforming India’s kabaddi team ahead of the 2026 Asian Games

Inside a high-performance training facility, Sonali Shingate drives forward on a synthetic track, weaving through cones with sharp, deliberate strides. Each movement is calculated, explosive, far removed from the dusty grounds where her journey started all those years back. This is not just training. It is a transformation. Because for Shingate, kabaddi was never a carefully planned pursuit; it was a choice born out of necessity. Growing up in Mumbai, with roots in a small village in Kolhapur, her early life was shaped by financial hardship. “My father was a security guard. My mother was handicapped… we used to live on rent,” she recalled. Cricket interested her, but it came with costs her family couldn’t afford. “Kabaddi was a free sport… just one short and a t-shirt.” What started as an extra activity after Class 12 quickly turned into a pathway. From college kabaddi to representing Maharashtra, a silver medal at the junior nationals, and eventually a job with Railways, Shingate steadily climbed the ranks to the national team. Her breakthrough came at the 2018 Asian Games, her first international tournament. “I wore the India jersey for the first time,” she said. But the moment was bittersweet. India fell short in the final against Iran, settling for silver. If 2018 left her wanting more, 2023 denied her a chance altogether. A serious injury just days before the Asian Games ruled her out. “Ten days before the tournament, I had a full grade tear. So I couldn’t go,” she said. The comeback, however, has been defining. After surgery and rehabilitation, Shingate returned to contribute to India’s gold-winning campaign at the World Cup, restoring confidence and sharpening her focus on unfinished business at the Asian Games. “We have more confidence now,” she said. Also Read: NFL reporter Dianna Russini resigns from The Athletic after photos with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at Arizona resort Now, that journey is entering a new phase, one driven not just by effort, but by awareness at Inspire Institute of Sport in Bellary. “I myself take supplements, but the rest of the ladies athletes don’t,” she said. “So it was good for them to learn which supplements to take, like protein, creatine, glutamine.” That awareness extended beyond nutrition. The camp introduced players to recovery methods they had rarely experienced before. “In the evening, we had a recovery session of sleeping, an ice bath, or swimming. We did all these things for the first time in the camp,” she explained. More importantly, the emphasis on strength and conditioning is beginning to reshape how players approach the sport. “The strength and conditioning they taught us… with which we can prevent injuries… these things are useful,” Shingate noted. Drills and conditioning redefine preparation For Shingate, the biggest shift has come through structured drills, an area she believes had been largely overlooked. “The biggest thing we found here was drills, which we never do. From which we came to know that if we do drills well, then our speed and quick movement… will come faster,” she said. In a sport defined by explosive bursts and rapid reactions, that understanding could prove decisive. Conditioning, too, has emerged as a critical component. “If our body contact is a game, then how fit we should be for body contact… that improved because of conditioning,” she explained. For Shingate personally, it meant confronting a gap in her own preparation. “The conditioning thing… I came to know by coming here that I should work on conditioning,” she admitted. The results have been immediate. “I feel better that my speed and endurance have also increased because of conditioning.” Asian Games focus and the road ahead As India builds towards the 2026 Asian Games, the lessons from the camp extend beyond physical preparation to mindset and environment. “The coaches here are free. There is no fear or pressure. We enjoyed the workout,” Shingate said, highlighting a more open and engaging training setup. At the same time, she remains aware of the growing competition. “I think Chinese Taipei is a good team. We will have to think about them in the Asian Games,” she said. For Sonali Shingate, the journey has always been about overcoming limitations, whether it was access to sport, opportunities at the elite level, or now, adapting to a more scientific approach to training. And as she powers through drills on that track, the message is clear: Indian kabaddi is evolving, and so is she.

Indian kabaddi player Sonali Shingate reveals how scientific training, conditioning, and recovery methods transformed India’s kabaddi team ahead of the 2026 Asian Games

'We never did these drills before': Sonali Shingate opens up on game-changing training ahead of 2026 Asian Games

The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), in collaboration with Mashal Sports, will commence a high-performance Strength &amp; Conditioning Camp at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), Bellary, bringing together the country’s leading men’s and women’s kabaddi probable athletes for the Asian Games 2026.&nbsp;The camp, scheduled from March 27 to April 2, marks a significant step in strengthening India’s kabaddi ecosystem, with a focused approach towards athlete development, fitness optimisation, and long-term performance excellence.&nbsp;This initiative reinforces Mashal Sports and AKFI’s shared commitment to the holistic development and well-being of kabaddi athletes, while continuing to build a strong pipeline of talent for India ahead of major international competitions, including the Asian Games.&nbsp;Vibhor Vineet Jain, President, Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), said, “This initiative is an important step in our preparations as we continue to raise the standard of kabaddi in India. By collaborating with Mashal Sports, we are ensuring that our players benefit from modern training methodologies, scientific support systems, and a professional high-performance environment that is essential for success at the international level.”&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cameron-green-to-liam-livingstone-5-most-expensive-players-in-ipl-2026-auctions-matheesha-pathirana-kartik-sharma-prashant-veer-1774031148132">From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions</a>&nbsp;Anupam Goswami, PKL League Commissioner and Business Head of Mashal Sports, said, “Mashal and its PKL teams are passionately committed to enabling our country’s kabaddi player pool to continuously improve their athletic capacity and performance, both for PKL and for representing Team India. In the year of the Asian Games, we take pride in collaborating with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India to organise a strength and conditioning camp for the senior men’s and senior women’s probables for kabaddi at the Asian Games, which will be held in Japan later this year. Since we are working with 45 probables in each group, the benefits of this camp will extend to many more athletes beyond the final Indian kabaddi squads for the Asian Games.”&nbsp;The camp will be hosted at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), Bellary, a world-class high-performance training facility offering cutting-edge infrastructure and a multidisciplinary sports science ecosystem to prepare athletes for elite international competition, with specialised programmes tailored to contact-driven demands of kabaddi. IIS has also supported the Pre-season training of a few PKL teams in the past, further reinforcing its expertise in developing top-tier kabaddi athletes.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-sanju-samson-5-highest-individual-score-in-a-lost-chase-in-ipl-yusuf-pathan-kl-rahul-shaun-marsh-ipl-2026-1774084136030">From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL</a>&nbsp;Several prominent Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) stars – Naveen Kumar, Arjun Deshwal, Pawan Sehrawat, Aslam Inamdar, Sunil Kumar, Ashu Malik, and Bharat Hooda – are part of the camp, reflecting the league’s strong talent pool. From the women’s contingent, leading athletes include members of the Indian squad that won the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup, such as skipper Ritu Negi, as well as Sonali Vishnu Shingate, Pushpa Rana, Champa Thakur, Pinki Roy, Priya and Karthika R, reflecting a strong mix of experienced internationals and emerging talent from across the domestic circuit.

Several prominent Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) stars – Naveen Kumar, Arjun Deshwal, Pawan Sehrawat, Aslam Inamdar, Sunil Kumar, Ashu Malik, and Bharat Hooda – are part of the camp, reflecting the league’s strong talent pool.

The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), in collaboration with Mashal Sports, will commence a high-performance Strength & Conditioning Camp at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), Bellary, bringing together the country’s leading men’s and women’s kabaddi probable athletes for the Asian Games 2026. The camp, scheduled from March 27 to April 2, marks a significant step in strengthening India’s kabaddi ecosystem, with a focused approach towards athlete development, fitness optimisation, and long-term performance excellence. This initiative reinforces Mashal Sports and AKFI’s shared commitment to the holistic development and well-being of kabaddi athletes, while continuing to build a strong pipeline of talent for India ahead of major international competitions, including the Asian Games. Vibhor Vineet Jain, President, Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), said, “This initiative is an important step in our preparations as we continue to raise the standard of kabaddi in India. By collaborating with Mashal Sports, we are ensuring that our players benefit from modern training methodologies, scientific support systems, and a professional high-performance environment that is essential for success at the international level.” ALSO READ | From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions Anupam Goswami, PKL League Commissioner and Business Head of Mashal Sports, said, “Mashal and its PKL teams are passionately committed to enabling our country’s kabaddi player pool to continuously improve their athletic capacity and performance, both for PKL and for representing Team India. In the year of the Asian Games, we take pride in collaborating with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India to organise a strength and conditioning camp for the senior men’s and senior women’s probables for kabaddi at the Asian Games, which will be held in Japan later this year. Since we are working with 45 probables in each group, the benefits of this camp will extend to many more athletes beyond the final Indian kabaddi squads for the Asian Games.” The camp will be hosted at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), Bellary, a world-class high-performance training facility offering cutting-edge infrastructure and a multidisciplinary sports science ecosystem to prepare athletes for elite international competition, with specialised programmes tailored to contact-driven demands of kabaddi. IIS has also supported the Pre-season training of a few PKL teams in the past, further reinforcing its expertise in developing top-tier kabaddi athletes. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL Several prominent Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) stars – Naveen Kumar, Arjun Deshwal, Pawan Sehrawat, Aslam Inamdar, Sunil Kumar, Ashu Malik, and Bharat Hooda – are part of the camp, reflecting the league’s strong talent pool. From the women’s contingent, leading athletes include members of the Indian squad that won the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup, such as skipper Ritu Negi, as well as Sonali Vishnu Shingate, Pushpa Rana, Champa Thakur, Pinki Roy, Priya and Karthika R, reflecting a strong mix of experienced internationals and emerging talent from across the domestic circuit.

Several prominent Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) stars – Naveen Kumar, Arjun Deshwal, Pawan Sehrawat, Aslam Inamdar, Sunil Kumar, Ashu Malik, and Bharat Hooda – are part of the camp, reflecting the league’s strong talent pool.

Asian Games 2026: AKFI and Mashal Sports roll out elite strength & conditioning camp

The India Paddle Festival, the country&rsquo;s only international Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) event, is set to return for its second edition from 7 to 9 March 2025, at the picturesque Sasihithlu Beach, Mangalore, Karnataka. Organised by the Surfing Swami Foundation and presented by Karnataka Tourism, the festival will once again welcome top international SUP athletes, regional competitors, and water sports enthusiasts, further cementing India&rsquo;s presence on the global paddle sports map.
Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition in 2024, which marked India&rsquo;s first-ever international SUP event, the festival is expected to be bigger and better, offering a platform for Indian athletes to compete alongside the world&rsquo;s best. This comes at a time when water sports in India are experiencing unprecedented growth, with the nation recently securing its first-ever quota in surfing for the 2026 Asian Games.
Announcing the return of the India Paddle Festival, CEO of the APP World Tour, Tristan Boxford, said, &ldquo;We are delighted to bring back the India Paddle Festival for its second edition, following the incredible success of last year&rsquo;s debut event. India has immense potential for Stand-Up Paddling, with its vast coastline and growing community of passionate athletes. The return of this international event underscores the country&rsquo;s rising stature in global paddle sports. We look forward to seeing top-tier talent from around the world compete in Mangalore, further inspiring the next generation of paddlers in India.&rdquo;
Dhananjay Shetty, Director, Surfing Swami Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the second edition, "Bringing back the India Paddle Festival is a testament to the growing SUP and surfing culture in India. Last year&rsquo;s event was a game-changer for our paddlers, giving them invaluable exposure to international competition. With Karnataka Tourism&rsquo;s continued support, we aim to build on that momentum and inspire a new generation of paddlers while also promoting the stunning coastline of Karnataka as a prime water sports destination.&rdquo;
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-trophy-2025-jasprit-bumrah-ruled-out-due-to-back-injury-harshit-rana-roped-in-as-replacement-8712214" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Champions Trophy 2025: Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to back injury; Harshit Rana roped in as replacement</a>
As India&rsquo;s premier SUP event, the festival will feature elite competitions, community races, and workshops, catering to both professional athletes and amateur enthusiasts. International SUP stars from the Association of PaddleSurf Professionals (APP) World Tour are expected to participate, making this a landmark event in India's water sports calendar.
With Stand-Up Paddle gaining momentum globally, the India Paddle Festival 2025 will play a crucial role in strengthening the sport&rsquo;s foundation in India and inspiring future generations to take up water sports.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sports: Following resounding success of its inaugural edition in 2024, which marked India’s first-ever international SUP event, the festival is expected to be bigger and better.

The India Paddle Festival, the country’s only international Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) event, is set to return for its second edition from 7 to 9 March 2025, at the picturesque Sasihithlu Beach, Mangalore, Karnataka. Organised by the Surfing Swami Foundation and presented by Karnataka Tourism, the festival will once again welcome top international SUP athletes, regional competitors, and water sports enthusiasts, further cementing India’s presence on the global paddle sports map. Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition in 2024, which marked India’s first-ever international SUP event, the festival is expected to be bigger and better, offering a platform for Indian athletes to compete alongside the world’s best. This comes at a time when water sports in India are experiencing unprecedented growth, with the nation recently securing its first-ever quota in surfing for the 2026 Asian Games. Announcing the return of the India Paddle Festival, CEO of the APP World Tour, Tristan Boxford, said, “We are delighted to bring back the India Paddle Festival for its second edition, following the incredible success of last year’s debut event. India has immense potential for Stand-Up Paddling, with its vast coastline and growing community of passionate athletes. The return of this international event underscores the country’s rising stature in global paddle sports. We look forward to seeing top-tier talent from around the world compete in Mangalore, further inspiring the next generation of paddlers in India.” Dhananjay Shetty, Director, Surfing Swami Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the second edition, "Bringing back the India Paddle Festival is a testament to the growing SUP and surfing culture in India. Last year’s event was a game-changer for our paddlers, giving them invaluable exposure to international competition. With Karnataka Tourism’s continued support, we aim to build on that momentum and inspire a new generation of paddlers while also promoting the stunning coastline of Karnataka as a prime water sports destination.” ALSO READ | Champions Trophy 2025: Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to back injury; Harshit Rana roped in as replacement As India’s premier SUP event, the festival will feature elite competitions, community races, and workshops, catering to both professional athletes and amateur enthusiasts. International SUP stars from the Association of PaddleSurf Professionals (APP) World Tour are expected to participate, making this a landmark event in India's water sports calendar. With Stand-Up Paddle gaining momentum globally, the India Paddle Festival 2025 will play a crucial role in strengthening the sport’s foundation in India and inspiring future generations to take up water sports. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India paddle festival returns for second edition as nation prepares for aquatic sports ahead 2026 Asian Games

Indian spiritual guru Sadhguru has expressed his disappointment over Yoga entering as a “sport” in the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.&nbsp;

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), announced on Sunday (Sep 8) that Yogasana will now be a part of the Asian Games calendar as a demonstration sport. The decision was made after the resolution for the same was passed unanimously at the 44th General Assembly of OCA. The sports organisation also elected India’s Randhir Singh as the OCA president for a term of four years from 2024 to 2028.

"Yoga will be a demonstration sport in Nagoya as the calendar for the 2026 Asian Games has already been made and approved," said Randhir.

"In 10 days time we have managed to convince all members and include yoga, which is being promoted by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

This will be the first time that yoga, which originated in India, will be performed on an international stage as a big sporting event. The promotion of yoga at the global level was one of the Modi administration’s special agendas. In September 2014, PM Modi suggested that&nbsp;June 21 be celebrated as International Yoga Day, as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/one-photo-was-clicked-without-informing-politics-happened-vinesh-phogat-rips-apart-ioa-president-pt-usha-757728">One photo was clicked without informing, politics happened: Vinesh Phogat RIPS APART IOA President PT Usha</a>

Meanwhile, Sadhguru, the founder of Isha Foundation based in Coimbatore, is of the opinion that yoga is not meant to be a competitive sport but a method of self-discovery and self-evolution.

"It is deeply disturbing and disappointing that #Yoga is entering an arena which is essentially a competitive sport arena. Yoga cannot be a competition," said Sadhguru on X.

“Yoga is a powerful tool &amp; mechanism for self-evolution- to raise a human being from limited possibilities to unlimited perception and experience of life. This should not be done in competition with somebody else.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It is deeply disturbing and disappointing that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yoga?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yoga</a> is entering an arena which is essentially a competitive sport arena. Yoga cannot be a competition. Yoga is a powerful tool &amp; mechanism for self-evolution- to raise a human being from limited possibilities to unlimited… <a href="https://t.co/uhlfUJ7VfS">pic.twitter.com/uhlfUJ7VfS</a>
— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) <a href="https://twitter.com/SadhguruJV/status/1833479455417004098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Sadhguru, who talks about the benefits of yoga and also teaches yoga and mindfulness to people online and through various platforms, says the science of yoga should not be reduced to circus-like activity.&nbsp;

"The fundamental of Yoga is about consciousness, not about comparison and competition," he said further.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-court-rules-married-adults-in-live-in-can-be-given-protection-excludes-minors-in-similar-relationships-757775">India: Court rules married adults in live-in can be given protection, excludes minors in similar relationships</a>

On the other hand, the OCA president is of the opinion that yoga will need to make its impact in the Nagoya Games to be included as a medal event in the 2030 Asian Games.

"We have to tell other nations about the benefits of yogasana. We need to send instructors and teach other nations and make it popular," said Randhir.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian spiritual guru Sadhguru has expressed his disappointment over Yoga entering as a “sport” in the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Indian spiritual guru Sadhguru has expressed his disappointment over Yoga entering as a “sport” in the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), announced on Sunday (Sep 8) that Yogasana will now be a part of the Asian Games calendar as a demonstration sport. The decision was made after the resolution for the same was passed unanimously at the 44th General Assembly of OCA. The sports organisation also elected India’s Randhir Singh as the OCA president for a term of four years from 2024 to 2028. "Yoga will be a demonstration sport in Nagoya as the calendar for the 2026 Asian Games has already been made and approved," said Randhir. "In 10 days time we have managed to convince all members and include yoga, which is being promoted by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” This will be the first time that yoga, which originated in India, will be performed on an international stage as a big sporting event. The promotion of yoga at the global level was one of the Modi administration’s special agendas. In September 2014, PM Modi suggested that June 21 be celebrated as International Yoga Day, as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Also Read | One photo was clicked without informing, politics happened: Vinesh Phogat RIPS APART IOA President PT Usha Meanwhile, Sadhguru, the founder of Isha Foundation based in Coimbatore, is of the opinion that yoga is not meant to be a competitive sport but a method of self-discovery and self-evolution. "It is deeply disturbing and disappointing that #Yoga is entering an arena which is essentially a competitive sport arena. Yoga cannot be a competition," said Sadhguru on X. “Yoga is a powerful tool & mechanism for self-evolution- to raise a human being from limited possibilities to unlimited perception and experience of life. This should not be done in competition with somebody else.” It is deeply disturbing and disappointing that #Yoga is entering an arena which is essentially a competitive sport arena. Yoga cannot be a competition. Yoga is a powerful tool & mechanism for self-evolution- to raise a human being from limited possibilities to unlimited… pic.twitter.com/uhlfUJ7VfS — Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) September 10, 2024 × Sadhguru, who talks about the benefits of yoga and also teaches yoga and mindfulness to people online and through various platforms, says the science of yoga should not be reduced to circus-like activity. "The fundamental of Yoga is about consciousness, not about comparison and competition," he said further. Also Read | India: Court rules married adults in live-in can be given protection, excludes minors in similar relationships On the other hand, the OCA president is of the opinion that yoga will need to make its impact in the Nagoya Games to be included as a medal event in the 2030 Asian Games. "We have to tell other nations about the benefits of yogasana. We need to send instructors and teach other nations and make it popular," said Randhir. (With inputs from agencies)

'Reducing Yoga to circus': Sadhguru reacts to Yoga entering as sport in 2026 Asian Games

asian-games-2026

Asian Games 2026, News on Asian Games 2026, stories on Asian Games 2026, articles on Asian Games 2026, Asian Games 2026 stories at Wion, Asian Games 2026 news, Asian Games 2026 latest news

asian games-2026

'Deeply disheartening': Manika Batra questions selection policy over Asian Games squad snub, writes to PM Modi, sports minister

Asian Games 2026 | S8UL Esports' League of Legends qualifies to represent India

PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen and Satwik-Chirag headline India's Asian Games 2026 squad

India squad for Asian Games 2026: Shreyas Iyer to lead, Bumrah returns

Indian swimming has talent, facilities and coaches. So what's still missing?

From body shaming to breaking records: Krishna Jayasankar eyes Asian Games glory

'We have bronze and silver, now we want gold': Savita Punia on Asian Games goal

‘If not me, then my children’: The emotional story of rowing coach Lakshmi Devi

Inside India’s women’s rowing revolution: Science, sacrifice and hunt for medals

Kabaddi’s next leap: Ashu Malik breaks down elite training before Asian Games

'We never did these drills before': Sonali Shingate on game-changing training

Asian Games: AKFI and Mashal Sports roll out elite strength & conditioning camp

India paddle festival returns for second edition as nation prepares for aquatic sports ahead 2026 Asian Games

'Reducing Yoga to circus': Sadhguru reacts to Yoga entering as sport in 2026 Asian Games