Jakarta: A trial by fire for youngsters and a battle to stay relevant for some ageing superstars but above all, the 18th Asian Games will be a reality check for India’s athletes after the Commonwealth Games high.
There was quite literally a gold rush at Gold Coast CWG where India notched up their second best medal tally of all time. But most athletes and their coaches have already acknowledged that the Asiad is going to be a different ball game given the presence of powerhouses such as China, Japan and Korea.
India had equalled their best performance in terms of medals won in the 2014 Asiad with a total of 57 medals, including 11 gold, and the contingent of 572 athletes this time would be hoping to better that.
The contenders range from a 16-year-old schoolgirl from Haryana in Manu Bhaker (shooting) to the proven-but-struggling Sushil Kumar (wrestling) to the in-form and consistently rising to new heights, Neeraj Chopra (javelin throw).
Then there are the likes of Hima Das, a sprint sensation who has raised hopes by becoming the first Indian woman to claim a world championships gold, albeit in the U-20 competition. Eyes will also be on Dutee Chand, who has overcome gender issues and is primed for a podium finish.
On the badminton court PV Sindhu would be hoping to break her final jinx. But once again a strong field will stand in the way given that shuttlers from traditional power-centres China, Thailand, and Japan will be in action. Others like Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy have the ability to achieve a podium finish.
India can also hope for a good show on the wrestling mat where the in-form duo of Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat are being seen as sure-shot medal hopes.
The boxing arena will have some strong Indian presence too with the likes of Vikas Krishan, Shiva Thapa and the fast-rising Gaurav Solanki presenting India’s men’s challenge. Among the women, world silver medallist Sarjubala Devi will be a medal hope.
In table tennis, Manika Batra would be aiming for an encore of her golden run at the CWG but it would be easier said than done with the Chinese and Japanese presence in the draw.
Dipa Karmakar would be continuing her spirited return from injury in the gymnastics arena and it would be interesting what she attempts on the vault.
- In the last Asiad, India won 57 medals including 11 gold, they would certainly aim to better that
- India have sent a contingent of 804 to the Jakarta Games, out of which 572 are athletes
- Among the top medal contenders are shuttler PV Sindhu, shooter Manu Bhaker and wrestler Bajrang Punia