India Aims for a Record-breaking Medal Haul at the Asian Games, Eyeing the LA 2028 Olympics
India is gearing up for the 2022 Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4. The country is aiming to break its record medal haul at this prestigious event, hoping to improve upon its fourth-place finish at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Athletics Leads the Charge
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has set its sights on the men's and women's 4x100m relays for the athletics track events. Neeraj Chopra, the reigning javelin throw champion from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, will spearhead India's campaign in his specialty.
The rivalry between Chopra and Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem in the javelin throw is expected to be a highlight of the athletics events. Chopra aims to win a third straight Asian Games title in the javelin throw, while Nadeem will be gunning for his first victory in the competition.
Medals Galore in Archery and Shooting
Archery has emerged as a medal-rich discipline for India at the Asian Games, and the country is hopeful of continuing this trend in 2022. India won nine medals in archery at the Hangzhou Asian Games and the men's compound team recently clinched gold at the World Championships in South Korea.
Shooting remains a key sport for India at the Asian Games, with Manu Bhaker set to defend her team gold in the 25m pistol.
Traditional Sports and Team Sports
Traditional sports such as kabaddi are expected to contribute to India's medal haul at the 2022 Asian Games. The Pro Kabaddi League season 12 will provide a platform for the country's top kabaddi players to hone their skills and prepare for the Asian Games.
The Indian team for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan will feature athletes competing in multiple sports, including football (women's team competing in the AFC Women's Asian Cup), men's hockey, and badminton, among others.
India's men's hockey team aims to defend the crown they regained in China, while India's women's hockey team eyes redemption after settling for bronze. The men's 4x100m relay team has clocked a time of 38.69 seconds, which could put them on the podium in Aichi-Nagoya.
A Focus on the Future
Adille Sumariwalla, spokesman for the Athletics Federation of India, believes India will do better at the 2022 Asian Games. However, his focus for the athletics federation is the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The return of cricket to the Olympics in 2028 offers a major opportunity for India to add to its modest Olympic medal count. India's men and women cricketers are expected to defend their gold medals in cricket at the 2022 Asian Games in Japan.
As India prepares for the 2022 Asian Games, the country's athletes are filled with optimism and determination. With a strong focus on traditional sports, team sports, and individual events, India is confident of making a significant impact at the games.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
