India to Send 634-Member Team to Hangzhou Asian Games
New Delhi
The Indian contingent for the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games is set to leave for China, consisting of a record-breaking 634-member team. Surpassing the previous delegation sent to the Jakarta Games in 2018, which comprised 572 members, this diverse group of athletes is determined to bring honor to the nation once again. The Indian Olympic Association initially requested to send 850 athletes to the Games, but a final tally of 634 formidable competitors will represent India.
Medal Success in Jakarta
The Indian team’s exceptional performance at the Jakarta Games two years ago, where they clinched a remarkable 70 medals, including 16 gold, has undoubtedly raised expectations for this year’s competition. With high hopes and intense preparations, the Indian athletes are poised to deliver stellar performances in a wide range of sporting events.
A Diverse Range of Athletes
Embracing the spirit of unity in diversity, the Indian team includes prominent Malayalam actors as well. Unsurprisingly, the strengthened track and field category boasts the highest attendance, with 65 athletes, comprising of 34 men and 31 women. The men’s and women’s football teams will consist of 22 players each, while both the men’s and women’s hockey teams will comprise of 18 players. In cricket, there will be 15-member teams for both men and women.
Showcasing Indian Strengths
India’s prowess in shooting will be presented by a 30-member team, demonstrating the nation’s exceptional talent in this domain. Furthermore, 33 individuals will participate in the sailing events. Noteworthy is the absence of male athletes in weightlifting, gymnastics, handball, and rugby categories, while wrestling and weightlifting disciplines have representation. Gymnastics will see only one participant from the Indian team.
Notable Athletes and Unexpected Changes
Several powerful players such as Chesil R. Pragnananda, Gukesh, Vidit Gujarati, Koneru Hampi, D. Harika, and Arjun Erigaysi are all set to proudly represent India under its flag at the Hangzhou Games. In badminton, notable players including HS Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth, Lakshya Sen, PV Sindhu, and Malavika Bansod will compete in the singles category alongside impressive doubles pairs like Satwik-Chirag and Gayatri-Treesa. The withdrawal of Vinesh Pankal, the 2018 gold medalist, due to a knee injury has led to Antim Pankal being placed in the 53kg category.
Bajrang Poonia, despite not participating in the Asian Games qualifiers, has been permitted to compete in the 65kg weightlifting category. Interestingly, Bajrang has hinted at the possibility of withdrawing from the Asian Games if the Khap Panchayats, who supported him during the Jantar Mantar protests, request him to do so.
Final Thoughts
As the Indian contingent, consisting of a talented and diverse group of athletes, prepares to embark on their journey to Hangzhou, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of a nation. With their impressive past performance and dedicated preparation, India’s sporting representatives are set to make their mark at the Hangzhou Asian Games, shaping the legacy of Indian sports for years to come.
New Delhi: A 634-member team will represent the country in the Hangzhou Asian Games. The team will leave for China in 38 events, surpassing the 572-member team sent to the Jakarta Games 2018. India won 70 medals including 16 gold at the Jakarta Games. The Indian Olympic Association had asked to send 850 athletes to the Games, which will begin on September 23.
Prominent Malayalam actors are also included in the list. The newly strengthened track and field category had the largest attendance – 65 with 34 men and 31 women. There will be 22 players each taking part in the men’s and women’s football teams. In hockey, there will be 18 players each in both sides. In cricket, there will be 15 member teams for both men and women.
A 30-member team will leave for the shoot where India shows its strength on the mainland. There will be 33 people in the sailing. There are no male athletes in weightlifting, gymnastics, handball and rugby. There is also wrestling and weightlifting. Only one person is allowed in gymnastics.
Notably, Bajrang Poonia was allowed to compete in the 65kg weightlifting category despite not participating in the Asian Games qualifiers held last month. Vishal Kaliraman topped this category. At the same time, Bajrang hinted that he would withdraw from the Asian Games if requested by the Khap Panchayats who supported him in the Jantar Mantar protests. Antim Pankal has been placed in the 53kg category after 2018 gold medalist Vinesh Pankal withdrew due to a knee injury.
Chesil R. Pragnananda, Gukesh, Vidit Gujarati, Koneru Hampi, D. Harika and Arjun Erigaysi are among the most powerful players who will stand under the Indian flag at the Hangzhou Games. There will be 19 players including HS Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth, Lakshya Sen, PV Sindhu, Malavika Bansod and others in Badminton Singles and the combination of Satwik-Chirag, Gayatri-Treesa and others in Doubles. Sajan Prakash, Sreesankar, Abdullah Abubakar, Jinson Johnson, Muhammad Afzal, Muhammad Anas, Muhammad Ajmal, Amoj Jacob, Mijo Chacko Kurien, Ansi Sojan, HS Prannoy, Tresa Jolly and others are Malayalam presences.
#member #squad #Asian #Games
