The Sports Ministry approved 246 officials and support personnel for India’s Asian Games squad. India will send a 768-member contingent, including 503 athletes, to compete in 36 disciplines in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.

The Sports Ministry has approved 246 team officials and support personnel to accompany India’s 503 athletes at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The decision takes India’s overall contingent strength to 768 members for the major continental sporting event beginning on September 19.

The ministry had initially cleared 492 athletes for the competition. However, 11 additional names were subsequently included, mainly in the athletics squad, increasing the number of participating Indian athletes to 503.

Apart from the athletes and their designated support teams, the Indian delegation will include 19 contingent officials. These officials include chef de mission Sahdev Yadav and chief medical officer Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, who will oversee administrative and medical responsibilities during the Games.

India’s delegation will feature athletes, coaches, medical experts, physiotherapists, managers and other essential personnel. The 246-member support unit is expected to assist competitors with technical preparation, physical recovery, injury management and event-related coordination.

Adding 503 athletes, 246 team officials and support personnel, and 19 contingent officials brings India’s total delegation to 768 members. The size of the group reflects India’s participation across a broad range of sports and the specialist assistance required by athletes competing at the international level.

India will participate in 36 disciplines during the Games. The tournament will run for more than two weeks before concluding on October 4.

Athletics will have India’s biggest representation, with 79 competitors included in the squad. The discipline has also received the largest support allocation, with 31 personnel approved to assist the athletes.

This group includes 20 coaches led by national coach P Radhakrishnan. The remaining support personnel are expected to help with fitness, medical care, recovery and event-specific preparation throughout the competition.

India’s athletics squad will compete without javelin star Neeraj Chopra, who is unavailable because of injury. His absence will be a major setback, but the expanded squad will aim to deliver strong performances across track and field events.

India’s two cricket teams have been sanctioned a combined support staff of 20 members. Former India batter and experienced coach VVS Laxman will lead the cricket support setup during the Games.

The allocation is intended to provide both squads with coaching, medical and logistical assistance. With cricket expected to attract significant attention, the Indian teams will enter the tournament carrying strong medal expectations.

The approval also highlights the ministry’s effort to ensure that every major sporting discipline receives adequate professional assistance. Coaches and medical personnel can play an important role in helping athletes manage demanding schedules and perform consistently.

The 20th Asian Games will begin in Aichi-Nagoya on September 19 and conclude on October 4. India’s 503 athletes will compete across 36 disciplines as the country looks to strengthen its position in Asian sport.

The final contingent combines experienced athletes, emerging competitors and specialist support personnel. While the absence of Neeraj Chopra will be closely discussed, attention will also turn to India’s large athletics squad, the cricket teams and other medal prospects. With the contingent now approved, Indian teams can complete their final preparations before travelling to Japan for one of the biggest multi-sport competitions on the international calendar.