9 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha urged India’s Asian Games-bound athletes to compete with confidence and not be overwhelmed by the occasion, telling them to “make the occasion remember you” at the official send-off ceremony in New Delhi.
The ceremony was held ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, which are scheduled from September 19 to October 4.
Usha’s Message to Team India
Addressing the athletes, Usha asked them to remember the journey that had brought them to the Asian Games and to embrace the opportunity rather than feel pressured by it.
She urged the contingent to compete with confidence, courage and humility, while encouraging athletes to carry the strength of expectations rather than their weight.
‘You Have Earned Your Place Among the Best in Asia’
Usha reminded the athletes that reaching the Asian Games itself reflected years of preparation and hard work.
Her message was aimed at helping competitors manage the pressure of representing India on a major continental stage and focus on performing at their best.
Mandaviya: Turn Pressure Into Performance
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also addressed the contingent at the ceremony.
He said India has no shortage of sporting talent and urged athletes to turn pressure into performance, opponents into opportunities and opportunities into achievements. He expressed confidence that the team would perform strongly and enhance India’s pride at the Games.
Athletes Share Their Asian Games Challenge
The send-off also featured a panel discussion involving Paris Olympics shooting medallist Swapnil Kusale, Commonwealth Games judoka Asmita Dey, weightlifter Gyaneshwari Yadav and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat.
Asmita highlighted the difficulty of competing in Japan, the birthplace of judo, saying she would need to prepare like never before to challenge highly ranked opponents in her weight category.
India Looking to Build on 2023 Success
India heads into the Aichi-Nagoya Games looking to build on its record-breaking performance at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
The country won 107 medals, including 28 gold medals, its best-ever medal haul at the continental event.
A Strong Contingent for Aichi-Nagoya
The 2026 Games will bring together athletes from across Asia in a wide range of sports.
India’s contingent will be aiming to convert the confidence shown at the send-off into strong performances once competition begins in September.
Focus Shifts From Preparation to Performance
With the official send-off complete, attention now turns towards the final phase of preparation before the Games.
Usha’s message was clear: the athletes have already earned their place among Asia’s best, and the next challenge is to perform without being overwhelmed by the scale of the occasion.
A Chance to Create New Sporting Memories
For India’s athletes, the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games represent another opportunity to build on the country’s growing success in international sport.
As Usha urged the contingent, the goal is not simply to participate but to leave a lasting mark on the competition.