Asian Games 2026 bring North India’s sporting heroes to the fore

From wrestling arenas and boxing rings to archery ranges, athletics tracks and team events, athletes from Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh helped shape India’s campaign at the recently concluded Asian Games-2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

According to the Indian Olympic Association, India finished fourth in the medal standings with 85 medals, including 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze, at the Games, which concluded on October 4. Athletics led India’s medal count with 24, followed by shooting with 15 and archery with nine. Boxing and wrestling contributed six medals each.

According to the Haryana government’s tally, the state emerged as a major contributor to the national tally. Its athletes accounted for 32 medals, including 14 gold, nine silver and nine bronze, with performances in individual and team events.

Among Haryana’s prominent performers were wrestler Sujeet Kalkal, boxers Parveen Hooda and Ankush Panghal, and archer Kirti Sharma. The state also had representation in India’s medal-winning kabaddi campaign.

Haryana athletes featured in the men’s kabaddi squad through Sunil Malik, Ashu Malik, Jaideep Dahiya and Ankit Jaglan. The women’s team included Rajrani, Manisha, Nikita and Pooja Kajla.

The state’s contribution extended to other team sports, with cricketer Shafali Verma and hockey players Sanjay, Abhishek, Navneet Kaur and Udita among those representing India.

According to the state-wise figures provided, Punjab had 21 individual medallists when members of medal-winning teams were counted separately. Himachal Pradesh recorded three medal-winning results, one gold, one silver and one bronze, involving six individual athletes.

According to the contingent figures provided, India sent 495 athletes to Aichi-Nagoya, including 264 men and 231 women, competing in 36 sports.

According to the supplied figures, Indian women won 11 individual gold medals, compared with seven by men. Neeru Dhanda and Kumkum Mohod were among the reported multi-medallists, while distance runner Gulveer Singh won two silver medals and one bronze.

The final tally reflected contributions from individual champions and team performances alike. For Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, the Games highlighted the region’s representation across disciplines ranging from wrestling and boxing to archery, athletics and team competition.