India’s Olympic and world Champion javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, has been officially confirmed to represent the country at the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to be held in AichiNagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.
The Athletics Federation of India(AFI) confirmed the news and announced that Chopra will be part of India’s athletics contingent for the continental event. After winning the gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou with a throw of 88.88 metres, he is set to defend the men’s javelin throw title.
He became one of India’s most successful athletes in recent years by winning the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, becoming India’s first Olympic champion in athletics. He later claimed the gold medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, making history as the country’s first world champion in the sport.
At 28, Chopra continues to compete at the highest level despite managing injuries in recent years and seasons, where they have to mark another major international competition in the games. India’s athletics campaign at the Games is expected to be bolstered by his participation.
The Games feature athletes from across the continent competing in multiple sporting disciplines, which are organised every four years by the Olympic Council of Asia. With the men’s javelin throw, Athletics is expected to be one of the key events, drawing significant attention following Chopra’s confirmation.
Based on the qualification standards and performances in national and international competitions, India will announce its full contingent for the Games closer to the event.
