Hangzhou Asian Games the 19th edition of the Asian Games in Hangzhou witnessed a remarkable performance by Indian athletes, who made significant strides and brought home a plethora of medals across 21 different events. This edition of the games not only showcased India’s growing prowess in traditional sports but also highlighted their emerging dominance in newer disciplines.
A Historic Performance
The Indian contingent delivered a historic performance, securing a record number of medals and demonstrating their versatility across a wide array of sports. From athletics to archery, and from wrestling to weightlifting, Indian athletes excelled, underscoring the country’s comprehensive growth in the international sports arena.
India’s medal tally included a mix of gold, silver, and bronze, reflecting the athletes’ hard work, determination, and skill. The Hangzhou Asian Games will be remembered as a milestone in Indian sports, marking one of the country’s most successful campaigns in the history of the Games.
Star Performers and Milestone Achievements
Several Indian athletes emerged as stars of the Games, setting new records and earning accolades for their outstanding performances:
- Neeraj Chopra – Javelin Throw: The Olympic gold medalist continued his golden streak by clinching another gold in the men’s javelin throw, setting a new Games record with a throw of 89.98 meters. Chopra’s win reinforced his status as one of the world’s premier javelin throwers.
- PV Sindhu – Badminton: Sindhu’s dominance in women’s singles badminton was once again on display as she secured a silver medal, narrowly missing gold but continuing to showcase her elite skills on the continental stage.
- Manpreet Singh and the Men’s Hockey Team: The Indian men’s hockey team, led by captain Manpreet Singh, reclaimed the gold medal after defeating their arch-rivals Pakistan in a thrilling final. This victory marked India’s return to the top in Asian hockey after a gap of eight years.
- Mirabai Chanu – Weightlifting: In the women’s 49kg weightlifting category, Mirabai Chanu lifted her way to gold, adding another feather to her already illustrious cap. Her performance was a testament to her strength and perseverance.
- Ankita Raina – Tennis: Raina’s brilliant run in the women’s singles tennis event earned her a bronze medal, highlighting her growing stature in Asian tennis.
Rising Stars and Breakthrough Performances
Alongside the established names, several young and emerging athletes made their mark, signaling a bright future for Indian sports:
- Annu Rani – Javelin Throw: Following in Neeraj Chopra’s footsteps, Annu Rani captured gold in the women’s javelin throw, making her the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in this event at the Asian Games.
- Divya Kakran – Wrestling: Kakran’s powerful performance in women’s freestyle wrestling secured her a bronze medal, continuing India’s strong tradition in the sport.
- Esha Singh – Shooting: The teenage shooting sensation clinched a silver medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event, establishing herself as a future star in Indian shooting.
- Indian Mixed Relay Team – Athletics: The mixed relay team set a new national record while winning a bronze medal in the 4x400m event, showcasing the potential of India’s relay teams on the international stage.
Emerging Sports and New Frontiers
The Hangzhou Games also highlighted India’s growing strength in sports that are gaining popularity domestically:
- E-Sports: Making its debut as a medal event, Indian gamers showed remarkable skill and resilience, winning medals in multiple categories, including a silver in DOTA 2 and a bronze in FIFA 24.
- Skateboarding: Young skateboarders from India impressed with their agility and flair, winning a bronze medal in the men’s park event, signaling the country’s entry into this new and exciting sport.
- Sport Climbing: Another emerging sport where Indian athletes shone was sport climbing, with the team securing a bronze medal in the women’s speed relay.
Government and Federation Support
The Indian government and various sports federations have played a crucial role in this success by investing in infrastructure, training facilities, and support systems for athletes. Initiatives like the Khelo India program and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) have provided much-needed financial assistance and world-class training to Indian athletes.
Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur commended the athletes for their outstanding performances and reiterated the government’s commitment to nurturing and supporting sports talent across the country. “Our athletes have made the nation proud. We will continue to support them in their journey to even greater heights,” he said.
Future Prospects
The achievements at the Hangzhou Asian Games bode well for India’s prospects in upcoming international competitions, including the Paris 2024 Olympics. The broad success across different sports disciplines suggests a deepening talent pool and a more robust sports ecosystem in the country.
Indian athletes, buoyed by their successes in Hangzhou, are expected to carry forward this momentum into future events, aiming for more podium finishes and setting new benchmarks for excellence.
In Conclusion
The Hangzhou Asian Games have marked a turning point for Indian sports, showcasing a blend of established champions and rising stars. With medals across 21 events, the Indian contingent has set a high standard for future Games, inspiring a new generation of athletes and solidifying India’s position as a formidable force in Asian and global sports.
About the Asian Games
The Asian Games, also known as Asiad, are a continental multi-sport event held every four years among athletes from all over Asia. The 2024 Hangzhou Asian Games featured over 40 sports and disciplines, making it one of the largest sporting events in the world.
