Asian Games 2026: Manhas, Shukla extend best wishes to Indian contingent

The Asian Games 2026 is set to kick off from September 19 to October 4. The continental event is scheduled to take place in Aichi–Nagoya.

Ahead of the marquee event, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Mithun Manhas has extended best wishes to India's entire contingent. He is also confident that the athletes can clinch gold and bring glory to the nation.

"I wish them all the very best, not just the cricket teams, but our entire contingent heading to the Asian Games. I hope they give their best performance. The entire country is behind them, and so are we. I wish them every success and hope they win gold medals and bring glory to the nation," he said.

"Absolutely, there will be a full effort from the team. Given the hard work they have put in and the enthusiasm within the squad, I am confident they can win gold and make the country proud," added Manhas.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla also expressed confidence in Team India and stated that cricket will be a new experience for the people in Japan.

"I think it will be very good, and our team will definitely register a victory. It will also be a great opportunity for people in Japan to experience cricket, as it is something new for them. The arrangements are expected to be very good," he said.

The board's vice-president also revealed that the dressing room issues in cricket stadiums in Japan have been resolved. He added that the players may not get five-star hotels for their stay, but are unlikely to face difficulties during the continental event.

"Earlier, I had raised concerns about the ground, wickets and dressing rooms. Our team from the Asian Cricket Council visited the venue, inspected the facilities and reported that the ground and wickets are now in good condition and the dressing room issues have been resolved. There had also been concerns about the toilets, but those have been addressed as well. As for the hotels, they may not be five-star, but they are decent, and the players should not face any difficulties," said Shukla.

IND vs JPN T20I: Date and venue

Team India will also play a friendly match against Japan at the Sano International Cricket Ground on September 22 as part of the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of India-Japan diplomatic relations.

(With ANI Inputs)