In a bold move to elevate India’s performance at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, the Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) has been launched, featuring an initial pool of 37 athletes across 16 disciplines. This initiative, modeled on the successful Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), aims to provide tailored support to medal prospects, ensuring they are well-prepared for the continental event.
The selected disciplines include a mix of Olympic and non-Olympic sports, such as fencing, equestrian, sailing, and golf, alongside team events like kabaddi and sepaktakraw. Notable athletes in the TAGG lineup include Bhavani Devi (fencing), Anush Agarwalla and Fouaad Mirza (equestrian), and Sumit Nagal (tennis). Olympians Vishnu Saravanan and Nethra Kumanan have been included for sailing, while Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar represent golf.
The program emphasizes international competition exposure, advanced training, foreign coaching, and state-of-the-art equipment. This multi-pronged approach is designed to address the unique needs of each sport, ensuring comprehensive preparation for the Games.
With TAGG 2026, India is not only targeting a higher medal tally at the Asian Games but also laying the groundwork for success at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The initiative reflects a strategic shift in India’s sports policy, focusing on both continental and global excellence.
This ambitious program underscores India’s commitment to nurturing talent and achieving sporting glory on the international stage.
