India Needs 10 More Mirabai Chanus, Says Mandaviya After Asian Games Review

He also stressed sports psychology, sports science and mental conditioning, and asked federations to hold more competitions and make an honest assessment of shortcomings in both performance and administration.

India at Aichi-Nagoya 2026

Why It Matters: The Gap to the Top Three

India’s 85 medals made it the country’s second-best Asian Games, but the top-three target set by Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao for Doha 2030 is a big leap. South Korea, which finished third at Aichi-Nagoya, won nearly double India’s gold tally. Closing that gap in four years will require many more athletes capable of winning gold, not just medals, across several sports.

That is the point behind Mandaviya’s Mirabai remark. A few stars can deliver headlines, but medal-table positions are decided by depth. India’s tally also fell from Hangzhou, with athletics and shooting delivering fewer medals, a sign that even traditional strengths need a stronger pipeline.

Targets Ahead

“Since we are hosting the Games, every NSF must take the competition seriously and prepare accordingly,” Rao said, comparing India’s sports ecosystem to a four-wheel vehicle that needs athletes, coaches, federations and the government moving together.

Building From the Grassroots

Minister of State Raksha Khadse urged federations to align with the Khelo India Mission and ensure state and district bodies are functioning. “Identifying talent is only one part of the process; athletes must also receive the correct training and support to reach their potential,” she said.

The meeting also saw presentations by Khelo India Joint Secretary Vineel Krishna and TOPS CEO Col. N.S. Johal, and the launch of revised guidelines for Assistance to National Sports Federations.

The Bottom Line

India has the stars; now it needs the depth. With home Commonwealth Games and Doha 2030 ahead, the challenge is to turn one Mirabai into ten.

With inputs from IANS.