India, Sept. 3 -- The Sports Ministry on Wednesday approved a contingent of 246 team officials and coaches for the 503 athletes who will compete in the 20th Asian Games with athletics and cricket getting the largest support staff for the showpiece beginning September 19 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The Ministry had originally approved 492 athletes in 35 disciplines for the Games but as was expected, a few names have been added mainly in the athletics squad, which has gone up from 73 to 79.

Four surfers have also been approved, expanding the Indian participation to 36 disciplines.

India's total contingent strength now stands at 768, including 19 contingent staff such as chef de mission Sahdev Yadav and chief medical officer Dr Dinshaw Pardiw...