At the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, India gave a record-breaking performance which has displayed brilliance.
Sports players from different disciplines delivered many were expected – some surprising. The 661 strong contingent ended their journey with 107 medals that included 28 golds, 38 silvers and 41 bronzes. The record made at the 18th
Asian Games which was held in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia in 2018 was 70 medals.
Compliments for the winning sportspersons poured from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter), “A momentous achievement for India at the Asian Games! The people of India are thrilled that we have reached a remarkable milestone of 100 medals. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our phenomenal athletes whose efforts have led to this historic milestone for India.” PM Modi added that he was looking forward to hosting the contingent on October 10, where he will interact with the athletes.
President Droupadi Murmu’s X post after the nation reached the final tally of 107 medals read, “India’s contingent signs off Asian Games with an impressive show of skill and grit!” She added, “The nation is proud of the players who bring home 107 medals, setting new benchmarks of excellence.”
While several participants won two medals each, India fared best in athletics (29 medals) and shooting (22), followed at some distance by archery (9), wrestling (6), boxing (5), squash (5) and rowing (5). India finished fourth on the medals table, behind hosts China (383 medals), Japan (188 medals) and South Korea (190 medals with 42 golds, ten less than Japan’s 52 golds). India (107 medals) is way behind China, but optimists would want to believe that the nation is perfectly capable of quantum leaping to the number three spot ahead of South Korea at the next Asian Games to be held in Japan.