Mansukh Mandaviya joins Indian diaspora for ‘Sundays on Cycle’ event in Japan to cheer Asian Games athletes

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya joined members of the Indian diaspora in Japan for a special edition of the ‘Sundays on Cycle’ initiative in Nagoya on Sunday, as the community came together to support and motivate Indian athletes competing at the Asian Games 2026.

Speaking to ANI, Mandaviya lauded the Indian diaspora for organising the cycling event and rallying behind the Indian contingent. He expressed confidence that the athletes would put up strong performances and bring pride to the country.

“The Asian Games are taking place in Nagoya, Japan, and Indian athletes are participating in them. To encourage and boost their morale, the Indian diaspora organised a cycling event on Sunday to cheer for India. I am confident that our athletes will perform well and bring glory to the country,” Mandaviya said.

The 20th Asian Games officially got underway with the opening ceremony at Paloma Mizuho Stadium on Saturday. Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat led the Indian contingent as flagbearers.

India has fielded a 501-member athlete contingent across 36 sports at the continental multi-sport event, which is being held from September 19 to October 4.

Bhaker, who won two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, shared the honour with Sehrawat, who was part of India’s gold-medal-winning men’s kabaddi team at the previous Asian Games.

Sehrawat stepped in as the male flagbearer in place of shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor, who did not receive his ceremony kit in time.

The opening ceremony formally marked the start of the Games, with athletes from 45 countries and regions set to compete across 43 sports and 469 medal events.

The ‘Sundays on Cycle’ event in Nagoya added a community-led show of support for the Indian athletes as competition gets underway at the Asian Games.