With a satisfactory show in the Commonwealth Games behind them, the Indian contingent will be looking to take one step ahead as the much anticipated Asian Games 2014 kicks off in Incheon, China.
With a satisfactory show in the Commonwealth Games behind them, the Indian contingent will be looking to take one step ahead as the much anticipated Asian Games 2014 kicks off in Incheon, China.
Last time India participated in the games, they won 14 gold medals which were held in Guangzhou four years ago. That was India’s best show of medals tally and will look to add more medals this time around with the list of athletes already gone through some chopping before arriving on the Chinese shores.
The Indian contingent consists of 516 athletes and 163 coaches and support staff who will participate in a total of 28 disciplines as against 35 last time around. So who are the athletes which can get the glory days to the nation? Can India win 20 gold medals this time around?
These athletes are our pride and the hopes are pinned on them. Who are they?
Yogeshwar Dutt (Wrestling):
One of the star names to be listed in the Indian contingent, Yogeshwar Dutt remains India’s best bet to win gold at the Incheon Asian Games 2014. After Sushil Kumar’s unavailability, Yogeshwar will look to end India’s 28-year wait for a wrestling gold, which was last won in 1986 by Kartar Singh. Dutt will wrestle in the 65kg freestyle.
PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap (badminton):
After a historic bronze at the World Championships, Hyderabadi PV Sindhu will be looking to make amends and land India a medal. Saina Nehwal will be India’s best bet for a gold and so will P Kashyap, who will be making his mark in the men’s singles category.
Gagan Narang (shooting):
After bagging a silver and a bronze medal in 50-metre Rifle Prone and 50-metre Rifle 3 Position at the Commonwealth Games, ace shooter Gagan Narang will look to switch gears at the Asian Games with atleast a gold medal!
Preeja Sreedharan (athletics):
India have not produced a PT Usha in recent years but Preeja Sreedharan could make a mark in the relay events. After her gold medal win in Guangzhou four years ago in the 10000m event, Preeja can surely not be discounted this time around as well. At this year’s Asian Games, Preeja will be participating in the 5000m as well.
MC Marykom (boxing):
After raking in the vanilla points with a Bollywood biopic, boxer MC Marykom is all set to roar at the Asian Games 2014 after the frustration of failing to qualify for Glasgow CWG.
Deepika Kumari (archery): Indian archery has performed well over the years and that’s because of former world number one, Deepika Kumari. After having missed out on a bronze medal in Guangzhou four years ago, Deepika will be looking to make amends of the loss at the Asian Games in Incheon.
Indian hockey team:
The Indian hockey team has not performed well recently, with a poor show at the CWG as well. But Aussie coach Terry Walsh has taken a mixture of youth and experienced players to the Asian Games with skipper Sardar Singh leading from the front.
With the Asian Games all set to go in motion, every Indian fan will be inching to see their favourite athlete perform at the highest and earn a gold medal of the utmost honour!
