India will be sending its largest-ever contingent to the upcoming Asian Games. 656 athletes are set to represent the nation and in return one can expect an impressive tally of medals. The multi-nation event will kick-start in Hangzhou, China on 23rd September.
Athletes like Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu and Bajrang Punia who have already made their mark in the world stage will be seen in action in the continental event. InsideSport takes a look at some of the contenders for the gold medal in the upcoming edition.
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Asian Games – Gold medal contenders
Neeraj Chopra – Javelin Throw
When we speak about India’s medal contenders, Neeraj Chopra tops the list. The Tokyo Olympic champion enter the Asiad this year after being crowned as the World champion. The 25-year old has been in terrific touch this season.
He took the world lead in two back to back Diamond Leagues by registering 88.67m and 87.66m throws. At the World Championship, he clinched gold with a 88.17m throw. He could even breach the 90m mark at Birmingham to win gold. He is looking to defend his Asiad Gold medal and could even breach the elusive 90m mark.
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Mirabai Chanu – Weighlifting
Mirabai Chanu will be the one of the two Indian Weighlifters to compete in the upcoming Asiad. The Tokyo Olympc silver medallist will be in action in the 49kg category.
The 29-year old is aiming to become India’s first-ever weightlifter to win a gold medal in the continental event. In a stellar career, Asian Games medal is the only thing missing from her cabinet.
In the upcoming edition, she will face challenge from her Chinese counterpart Jiang Huihua, who recently won the World Championships. However Chanu is training hard to finish on top of the podium.
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Bajrang Punia – Wrestling
Bajrang Punia was India’s only gold medallist in Men’s Wrestling at the last edition of the Asiad. The Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist is aiming for another similar show at Hangzhou. He infact is eyeing a double after winning back-to-back gold medals in the Commonwealth Games.
With India’s Ravi Dahiya failing to qualify for the Asiad, the nation’s hope in wrestling rests on the 29-year old Bajrang. The experienced wrestler was even exempted from the Asian Games selection trials and he is gearing to add one more medal to his tally.
Nikhat Zareen – Boxing
All eyes will be on Boxer Nikhat Zareen during the Asiad. The 27-year old will be making her debut in the Asian Games. However over the last two years, she has emerged as India’s best boxer with her scintillating performances.
In 2022, she grabbed the headlines by winning the World Championships. The Telangana boxer went on to win the Commonwealth Games gold in the same year. Earlier this year, she successfully defended her world crown and will enter the Asiad as the favourite.
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HS Prannoy – Badminton
HS Prannoy is sizzling with hot form in the Badminton circuit this year. The 30-year old will be India’s best bet for a gold medal in singles. He has made rapid rise in the rankings over the last year with consistent performances in the BWF Tour. Earlier this year, he clinched the title at the Malaysian Masters and finished as runners-up at the Australian Open.
Much recently, he clinched the bronze medal at the World Championships 2023. Badminton has been a sport where Indian has not yet won a gold medal in the Asiad. Prannoy’s consistency and form has made him one of the strong contenders for a top of the podium finish in the upcoming edition.
