Meet the oldest athlete in India's contingent for Asian Games 2026
India has sent a 501-member team to Aichi-Nagoya
India is sending a 501-member team to the Asian Games 2026, which will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. The team has 269 men and 234 women, including big names like PV Sindhu, Manu Bhaker, Mirabai Chanu, and Lovlina Borgohain.
While a lot of attention usually goes to the young athletes, there’s another side to this story that doesn’t get talked about enough. Some of India’s athletes have competed at the top level for decades, and they’re proof that age is really just a number in sport.
The oldest athlete in India’s squad this time is equestrian rider Shruti Vora. At 55, she’ll be the oldest Indian athlete at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
Also Read: Top five oldest Indian athletes participating at Asian Games 2026
Shruti Vora’s career so far
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Vora was born in 1971, which makes her 55 now. She’s in the team not because of her experience, but because she’s still winning. Riding her horse Magnanimous, she’s had some great results on the European circuit this year, including podium finishes at CDI events.
She’s been around horses for most of her life. Vora learned horse-riding at the Army Riding School in Kolkata, with her mother, who also rode horses, playing a major role in sparking her love for the sport.
Also Read: Top 10 Indian debutants to watch out for at Asian Games 2026 ft. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Vora’s career, however, has not followed a straightforward path. She took a 14-year break from competitive riding to start a family and raise her children. She returned to the sport in 2010 and has gradually rebuilt her career, working her way back to the international stage.
Vora also represented India at the 2014 Asian Games and has remained active on the international circuit ever since. Going to Aichi-Nagoya now is just another chapter in a career that’s spanned a really long time.
Who is the oldest athlete in India’s contingent for the Asian Games 2026?
Equestrian rider Shruti Vora, who is 55, is the oldest athlete in India’s squad for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Which sport does Shruti Vora compete in?
Vora competes in equestrian sport, specifically dressage. She rides her horse Magnanimous.
Has Shruti Vora competed at the Asian Games before?
Yes, Vora represented India at the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games and has continued competing internationally since then.
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