Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 31: With the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics officially beginning from the New Year, Indian sport is entering a crucial phase of transition and renewal. A packed 2026 calendar — highlighted by the Asian Games in Aichi and Nagoya in September-October — will test a new generation of athletes across disciplines.

As senior stalwarts gradually step aside, a group of young, fearless contenders is emerging, ready to shoulder India’s medal ambitions on the global stage.

Hitesh Gulia leads men’s boxing revival

At just 20, Hitesh Gulia has emerged as the face of Indian men’s boxing. Competing in the 70kg category, the Haryana boxer enjoyed a breakthrough 2025 season, marked by consistency and composure. He struck gold at the World Boxing Cup Stage I in Brazil, followed by a silver at Stage II in Kazakhstan, before sealing his arrival with a gold medal at the season-ending World Boxing Cup Finals in Greater Noida. With the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games ahead, Gulia is now central to India’s boxing medal hopes.

Shaili Singh eyes Asian Games and Olympic qualification

Long jumper Shaili Singh scripted a strong comeback in 2025 after injury setbacks and missing out on Paris 2024 qualification. The 21-year-old broke her mentor Anju Bobby George’s Federation Cup record with a 6.64m jump in Ernakulam. Ranked among the world’s top U-21 athletes, Shaili now targets the national record of 6.83m and qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics.

Jaismine Lamboria dominates women’s boxing

The 57kg boxer Jaismine Lamboria enjoyed a dream year in 2025, establishing herself as India’s most accomplished female boxer on the international circuit. The 24-year-old won gold at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, followed by titles at the World Boxing Cup Stage II in Astana and the Finals in Greater Noida. As India looks towards the Asian and Commonwealth Games, Jaismine stands out as a cornerstone of the women’s boxing programme.

Shahnawaz Khan breaks barriers in long jump

Seventeen-year-old Shahnawaz Khan became the youngest Indian to cross the eight-metre mark, leaping 8.04m at the Indian Open in Bhubaneswar. The Uttar Pradesh athlete has set his sights higher, aiming for the 8.50m barrier while targeting the Asian Games. With steady progress and a powerful build, he is one of India’s most exciting prospects in athletics.

Princedeep Singh emerges as hockey’s next guardian

Following PR Sreejesh’s retirement after the Paris Olympics, Indian hockey is preparing for a generational shift in goalkeeping. Junior international Princedeep Singh has impressed with his calmness and maturity, notably during India’s penalty shootout win over Belgium at the Junior World Cup. Trained under Sreejesh, the Pathankot-born goalkeeper could soon step into the senior setup.

Unnati Hooda signals a new era in badminton

Unnati Hooda made headlines in 2025 by defeating PV Sindhu at the China Open — the first Indian to do so in six years. The 18-year-old finished her maiden senior season ranked 23rd in the world and won the Odisha Masters Super 100 title. With the Asian Games and World Championships ahead, Unnati’s progress could define India’s badminton future.

Tanvi Sharma, the fearless giant-killer

Junior sensation Tanvi Sharma has already made her mark by winning two medals at a single World Junior Championship and defeating former world No.1 Nozomi Okuhara at the Syed Modi International. The 17-year-old, coached by Park Tae-sang, now faces the challenge of transitioning successfully to the senior circuit.

Treesa Jolly–Gayatri Gopichand aim for consistency

After a mixed 2025 season affected by injury, the women’s doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand ended the year on a high by winning the Syed Modi Open. Ranked 20th globally, the duo will look to cement their place among the world’s elite in a make-or-break year ahead.

Manmeet Singh and Rosan Kujur shape hockey midfield future

With Hockey India planning beyond veteran Manpreet Singh, youngsters Manmeet Singh and Rosan Kujur have emerged as potential midfield mainstays. Their contrasting strengths — defensive solidity and ball-carrying ability — offer balance as India prepares for LA 2028.

Suruchi Phogat shines in shooting

Eighteen-year-old Suruchi Phogat enjoyed a sensational senior debut, winning gold in the women’s 10m air pistol at the Buenos Aires World Cup. She followed it up with multiple medals across World Cups and capped the year with gold at the World Cup Finals. Her consistency has added depth to India’s pistol squad.

Samrat Rana announces himself on world stage

Samrat Rana stunned the shooting world by becoming India’s first world champion in the Olympic pistol category at the Cairo World Championships. The 20-year-old followed up with a bronze at the World Cup Finals, strengthening India’s men’s pistol lineup ahead of Olympic qualification battles.

As India steps into a fresh Olympic cycle, these young athletes symbolise ambition, resilience and renewal. With major multi-sport events looming, 2026 could well be the year when promise begins to translate into podium finishes.