New Delhi, Oct. 4 -- For some Indian athletes, the road to the Asian Games 2026 podium in Aichi-Nagoya did not begin in the sport in which they eventually won their medals.

Injuries, missed selections, opportunities and advice from coaches led several athletes to change disciplines before establishing themselves at the continental level.

Here are five Indian medallists whose sporting journeys took an unexpected turn.

Suruchi Singh Phogat became an Asian Games champion in shooting after beginning her sporting journey as a wrestler. The Haryana athlete was introduced to wrestling by her father, but a collarbone fracture after around six months of training changed her path.

Her father subsequently took her to a shooting range in Bhiwani,...