Mansukh Mandaviya: India Targets Best-Ever Asian Games Performance, Selection to Be Transparent

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Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has said India is aiming for its strongest-ever showing at the upcoming Asian Games, while assuring that athlete selection will be fair, transparent and closely monitored.

The Asian Games 2026 are scheduled to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, during September-October this year.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Khelo India Tribal Games, Mandaviya underlined the dual focus on performance and governance.

"India will deliver its best-ever performance at the Asian Games. Performance will always be the top priority, and selection processes will be fair, transparent and monitored," Mandaviya said.

The Khelo India Tribal Games, currently underway in Chhattisgarh, will run until April 3.

Focus on Performance and Fair Selection

Mandaviya linked India's Asian Games ambitions with broader structural improvements in the country's sporting ecosystem. He reiterated that merit-based selection remains central to India's preparations, with systems now designed to ensure accountability and eliminate bias.

The minister stressed that transparent trials and monitored processes will ensure deserving athletes get opportunities on the biggest stage in Asia.

Long-Term Vision: Olympics 2036 and Beyond

Mandaviya also outlined India's long-term sporting roadmap, tying immediate goals like the Asian Games to larger ambitions.

• India is aiming to host the 2036 Olympic Games
• Target to become a top 10 sporting nation by 2036
• Long-term vision to reach the top 5 globally by 2047

He attributed this direction to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding that sustained investment and grassroots development are key to achieving these milestones.

Why Khelo India Tribal Games Matter

Explaining the introduction of the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG), Mandaviya emphasised that talent exists beyond urban centres.

He said the initiative aims to identify and nurture athletes from tribal regions, where sporting ability often goes unnoticed due to lack of access and exposure.

Mandaviya cited Deepika Kumari as an example of excellence emerging from a tribal background, reinforcing the importance of inclusive talent scouting.

Annual Hosting Plan for Chhattisgarh

Mandaviya confirmed that the Tribal Games are planned as a recurring national event, with Chhattisgarh positioned as a key host state.

Future editions are expected to be held across Bastar, Sarguja and Raipur, establishing a long-term sporting hub in the region.

He described the initiative as a "historic beginning" that will not only boost sport but also contribute to tourism and regional development.

Sport Beyond Medals

The union minister reiterated that sport plays a larger role in society beyond podium finishes. He highlighted values such as discipline, resilience and balance, stating that these align with India's broader vision of building a strong sporting culture.

Road to Asian Games Begins

As the Khelo India Tribal Games continue until April 3, Mandaviya maintained that the event is part of a larger pipeline feeding into national and international competitions.

With a renewed focus on transparency, performance, and grassroots inclusion, India's preparations for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya are firmly underway.