Asian Games 2026: Sumit Nagal, Sahaja Yamalapalli to lead Indian tennis contingent

FILE PHOTO: Sumit Nagal (World No. 277) is the highest-ranked male player in the men’s squad. | Photo Credit: R. Ragu

India’s top-ranked singles players Sumit Nagal and Sahaja Yamalapalli will spearhead the country’s tennis campaign at the 20th Asian Games in Japan as the All India Tennis Association (AITA) on Monday picked six-member men’s and women’s squads for the continental showpiece.

The team was selected by the AITA’s selection committee under the chairmanship of Nandan Bal and features a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, with the federation banking on a blend of current form and future potential for success in Japan.

The men’s squad comprises World No. 277 ranked Nagal, Manas Dhamne (ranked 378), last Davis Cup tie’s hero Dhakshineswar Suresh (ranked 478). There are three doubles specialists in the squad led by Yuki Bhambri (World No. 24), N. Sriram Balaji (World No. 61) and Anirudh Chandrasekar (World No. 90).

Karan Singh, Rithvik Bollipalli and Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha have been named as reserves.

In the women’s section, India No. 1 and World No. 332 Sahaja, Vaishnavi Adkar (396), Vaidehee Choudhari (417) are the singles players in the squad.

Rutuja Bhosale (ranked 125), Prarthana Thombare (181) and Ankita Raina (185) have been selected for doubles, with Zeel Desai and Shruti Ahlawat listed as reserves.

AITA secretary general Sunder Iyer said the selection committee had carefully assessed performances on the professional circuit before finalising the squad.

“The Selection Committee has carefully evaluated performances across the professional circuit and selected a team that combines experience, current form and future potential. We are confident that this group of athletes will represent India with distinction at the Asian Games in Nagoya,” Iyer said.

The Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19-October 4.

India tennis squad for Asian Games 2026

Men: Sumit Nagal, Manas Dhamne, Dakshineshwar Suresh, Yuki Bhambri, N. Sriram Balaji, Anirudh Chandrasekar; Reserves: Karan Singh, Rithvik Bollipalli, Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha.

Women: Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaishnavi Adkar, Vaidehee Choudhari, Rutuja Bhosale, Prarthana Thombare, Ankita Raina; Reserves: Zeel Desai, Shruti Ahlawat.