In a significant decision impacting India's sporting contingent, the country will not field a team in the jiu-jitsu competition at the upcoming Asian Games. The multi-sport event is scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
Why Jiu-Jitsu Was Axed from India's Asian Games Plan
Multiple sources have confirmed that the decision to drop jiu-jitsu from India's roster for the 2026 Asian Games was influenced by a confluence of factors. The primary reasons cited include persistent governance issues within the national federation and an assessment that indicated a limited probability of winning medals in the discipline.
This move aligns with a broader strategy by Indian sports authorities to optimize resources. The government is implementing cost-cutting measures while finalizing the contingent, focusing on sports with a brighter medal outlook or the potential for a surprise podium finish.
The TAGG Criteria and Funding Focus
A pivotal element in this decision was the newly formed Target Asian Games Group (TAGG). Modeled on the successful Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), TAGG was launched earlier this year to provide financial assistance to athletes with strong Asian Games medal prospects, even if they are not immediate Olympic contenders.
It has been learned that jiu-jitsu did not fulfil the specific criteria laid down by the TAGG for support. This failure to meet the ministry's benchmarks for selection ultimately contributed to the sport's exclusion.
Historical Context and Past Participation
Jiu-jitsu was introduced to the Asian Games programme at the Jakarta 2018 edition, but India did not send a team that year. The country's first participation came later, with an 11-member Indian jiu-jitsu team competing at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023.
"There were several factors involved," a source explained, detailing the reasons behind dropping the discipline. "There's internal politics in federations, low probability of winning medals and not fulfilling the ministry's own selection criteria. It's been decided that the Indian jiu-jitsu team won't feature at the Games."
The decision underscores a strategic shift in Indian sports administration, prioritizing disciplines with a clearer path to podium success at the continental level. It reflects a more analytical approach to resource allocation, even as it disappoints the jiu-jitsu community awaiting another shot at Asian Games glory.
