India Spends ₹708 Crore on Asian Games Preparation

By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
Sep 16, 2026
200

India (Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports) has spent around ₹708 crore on preparations for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, the Sports Ministry said. The expenditure has covered athlete training, sporting equipment, coaching support and international competition exposure.

The Asian Games will begin on September 19 in Japan, with India sending a 501-member athlete contingent across 36 sports. The team includes 267 male and 234 female athletes, while 265 support staff will accompany the competitors.

A notable feature of the Indian contingent is the number of first-time participants. As many as 310 Indian athletes will make their Asian Games debut.

India targets another strong Asian Games performance

India won 106 medals at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, marking its first 100-plus medal haul at the continental multi-sport event.

The Hangzhou tally comprised 28 gold, 38 silver and 40 bronze medals. The performance has raised expectations around India’s campaign in Aichi-Nagoya.

N.S. Johal, CEO of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), said efforts have been made to ensure that Indian athletes receive the resources and support required for elite-level competition.

How ₹708 crore was spent on Asian Games preparation

TOPS, introduced in 2014, provides assistance to Indian athletes preparing for major international competitions such as the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.

Of the total ₹708 crore spent on Asian Games preparations, approximately ₹98 crore was utilised through the TOPS programme.

Another ₹251.4 crore was spent on international competition exposure, allowing athletes to gain experience against high-level opponents. Around ₹118.3 crore was allocated for domestic training.

The expenditure reflects a broad preparation strategy combining competition exposure, training infrastructure, specialist support and athlete-specific requirements.

Nine coordination meetings held since January

Johal said the Target Asian Games Group has held nine coordination meetings since January to review preparations and address the requirements of athletes.

The objective has been to create a stronger support environment for the Indian contingent ahead of the Asian Games, particularly as the country seeks to build on its record medal performance in Hangzhou.

Sports science support gets greater focus

India’s preparations have also placed greater emphasis on sports science and athlete welfare.

According to Johal, TOPS has ensured the presence of adequate numbers of physiotherapists, doctors and mental-health professionals within the squads.

Women support personnel have also been included across the teams. Johal said approximately one-third of the support staff have backgrounds in sports science, highlighting the growing role of scientific support in India’s elite sports programme.

With the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games approaching, India’s preparations are therefore combining financial investment, international exposure, specialised coaching and sports-science support as the country aims to sustain its recent progress on the continental stage.

For more latest news, updates and analysis from Tripura, Northeast India and across the country, visit The Tripura Post – Latest News & Updates