'Let us get behind them': Rishabh Pant's message to Indian athletes ahead of Asian Games

India cricketer Rishabh Pant has extended his support to the Indian contingent ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. Pant urged fans across the country to support the Indian athletes and cheer for them as they compete at the continental event.In a video shared on Instagram, Pant said he was excited to watch the Asian Games and asked fans to back the athletes throughout the competition.“Really excited to watch the Asian Games. Let us get behind our Indian athletes and support them and let's hope they give their best. Regardless of what happens, let us get behind them, give them a big cheer and a lot of support,” Pant said.India aims for another strong Asian Games campaignIndia will look to build on its record-breaking performance at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023. The Indian contingent won 106 medals, including 28 gold, to finish fourth in the standings.India are the defending champions in men’s and women’s cricket and kabaddi, while the men’s hockey team are also the reigning champions.PV Sindhu will lead India’s badminton campaign, while Mirabai Chanu will be among the key names in weightlifting. Manu Bhaker will be one of India’s leading shooters, while Aman Sehrawat will compete in wrestling. Lovlina Borgohain will lead India’s challenge in boxing.India’s athletics and shooting hopesMore than 75 Indian athletes will compete in track and field events.Gulveer Singh, Tejaswin Shankar, Murali Sreeshankar, Jyothi Yarraji and Parul Chaudhary are among India’s leading medal hopes.Tajinderpal Singh Toor will enter the Asian Games as a two-time defending champion in the shot put.Manu Bhaker, Pawan Sehrawat carry TricolourThe 20th Asian Games officially opened on Saturday with a colourful opening ceremony at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.Japan’s Emperor Naruhito declared the Games open in the presence of Empress Masako, Olympic Council of Asia president Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry.Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and Hangzhou Asian Games gold-winning kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat led the Indian contingent during the athletes’ parade, carrying the Tricolour.Sehrawat replaced shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor as India’s flag-bearer after Toor did not receive his ceremonial kit in time.The 501-member Indian contingent will look to improve on its performance at Hangzhou in 2023.India already in medal contentionSome events had already started before the opening ceremony.In women’s cricket, Harmanpreet Kaur-led India entered the semifinals after an eight-wicket win over hosts Japan on Friday.India are also in medal contention in teqball, which is making its Asian Games debut. Quimcy D'Souza lost her women’s singles semifinal on Saturday and will now compete for the bronze medal.The Asian Games will be held from September 19 to October 4, with Nagoya City’s Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium hosting the opening and closing ceremonies.Around 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and the OCA Refugee Team will compete across 43 events for 469 gold medals.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.