India, Sept. 17 -- The countdown for Asian Games 2026 has already begun, and India is not merely sending one of its largest multi-sport contingents to Japan; it is sending a team backed by a sizeable investment in preparation. The Sports Ministry has spent Rs 702.86 crore over the last three years through the Annual Competition and Training Calendar (ACTC), covering training, equipment, international exposure and the services of coaches and experts. Out of that mind-boggling amount, Rs 251.4 crore went towards international competition exposure, while another Rs 118.3 crore was spent on domestic training.

The numbers become even more interesting when the athletes themselves are considered. India will field 501 athletes across 36 discipli...