Asian Games 2026: Tendenthoi Haobijam Eyes Medal for India With Greater Confidence After International Exposure

For Tendenthoi Devi Haobijam, the road to her second Asian Games has been a journey of confidence, growth and learning. Three years after making her international debut at the 2023 Asian Games, the Indian rower returns to the continental stage with greater experience and a stronger understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Tendenthoi admitted that her first Asian Games appearance came at a time when she was still developing as an athlete and lacked the confidence that she now possesses.

"My first international competition was the Asian Games in 2023. My performance was good, but I wasn't very confident because I was still a junior at that time. I had to learn a lot from the seniors and take their advice," she told the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS).

Her preparation for the 2026 Asian Games has been significantly different, particularly because she and her teammates have trained together consistently since last year. That extended period has allowed the crew to develop a better understanding of each other's strengths and rhythm.

"This time, we got the chance to practice together for a long time. We have been together since last year, so we got to know each other better and got the chance to grow together. That has given us a lot of confidence," she said.

International exposure has further strengthened that belief. Training camps in Australia and Europe, followed by several competitions, gave the rowers valuable lessons in handling pressure and performing collectively.

"We went to Australia for a camp and also spent a lot of time in Europe. We had the chance to compete in two or three competitions there, and we learnt a lot - how to manage a competition, how to handle pressure, how to perform with confidence and how to perform together as a crew. I learnt a lot from those experiences," she added.

Tendenthoi also highlighted the influence of coach Lakshmi, whom she has known since childhood and credits as one of her inspirations for taking up rowing.

"I have known Lakshmi since around 2007-08. I had seen her practice and seen how she brought a lot of recognition to the state. She had competed at the Asian Games, and I was inspired by her even before I started rowing," she said.

At the Asian Games, Tendenthoi will compete in the Women's Coxless Four alongside Poonam, Aleena Anto and Gurbani Kaur, with the crew hoping to convert its growing confidence and familiarity into a strong performance.