Nagoya, Sept 2026 : Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Director General and World Aquatics President Capt. Husain Al-Musallam on the sidelines of the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, and discussed ways to strengthen sporting cooperation between India and the wider Asian sporting community.
The discussions focused on enhancing coordination between India’s National Sports Federations and their respective Asian federations, besides exploring opportunities to further develop aquatic sports in the country.
“Held a meeting with Capt. Husain Al-Musallam, Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and President of World Aquatics, on the sidelines of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Nagoya, Japan,” Mandaviya said in a post on X.
He said the two sides discussed strengthening cooperation between India’s National Sports Federations and their Asian counterparts, while also exploring measures to expand aquatic sports in India. Particular emphasis was placed on increasing grassroots participation and creating opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills.
The discussions also covered ways to build stronger pathways for identifying and nurturing emerging talent in aquatic disciplines, with greater participation at the grassroots level seen as an important component of long-term sporting development.
Mandaviya said the OCA had welcomed India’s readiness to host various Asian-level championships. He described the development as reflecting a shared commitment towards strengthening sporting cooperation and sports development across the continent.
The Union Minister is in Nagoya for the Asian Games, where Indian athletes are competing in multiple sporting disciplines. The continental event brings together athletes from across Asia and is scheduled to officially open at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium on Saturday.
Mandaviya also attended the official welcome reception for the Asian Games along with Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President and Olympian PT Usha.
Reflecting on his experience, the minister highlighted Japan’s hospitality and cultural traditions during the Games. He said he had the opportunity to attend the opening ceremony of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 and participate in Kagami-biraki, a traditional Japanese celebration.
“Experiencing Japan’s Gracious Hospitality and Rich Culture! Yesterday, I had the honour of attending the Opening Ceremony of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 and participating in Kagami-biraki, a traditional Japanese celebration. Grateful for the warm reception and gracious hospitality,” Mandaviya said.
He also noted the opportunity to reconnect with members of the Asian and global sporting community. Mandaviya said it was encouraging to see the interest surrounding India’s sporting progress and its future.
Meanwhile, OCA President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani chaired the 110th OCA Executive Board meeting in Nagoya ahead of the Asian Games.
The meeting reviewed preparations for several upcoming OCA events, including the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games Riyadh 2026, the Asian Beach Games Cebu 2028 and the Asian Winter Games Almaty 2029.
The meetings and engagements on the sidelines of the Asian Games come as India seeks to expand its participation in international sporting bodies and strengthen cooperation with Asian federations across disciplines. The focus on aquatic sports and grassroots development also forms part of broader efforts to create stronger pathways for young athletes and enhance India’s sporting ecosystem.
