Asian Games: Can India get to 100 medals mark? EXPLAINED

Saturday, Oct 7, 2023 6:27 am

The previous best India medal tally is 70, which the team had achieved in 2018 Jakarta.

Asian Games in Hangzhou, China has already become India’s most successful appearance in terms of the medals won. This year, we have 86 medals in our kitty, including 21 golds, with nearly two more days to go in the event. Shooting and athletics have fetched us medals in a bunch, while boxing has been a big disappointment. As per a report on ESPN.in, if India continues to shine in the next two days of the Asian Games, the contingent can cross the 100-medal mark.

India’s Confirmed Medals

Kabaddi

Both the Indian kabaddi teams are in the semis and are assured of bronze medals at least. Last time, we had missed the gold medals, but this time around the men’s team looks like a clear contender for the gold. On the other hand, the women’s team would like to avoid Chinese Taipei in their remaining games. Iran women are strong too, so it can’t be said, if the women can win gold too, but a medal is confirmed.

Archery

The Indian contingent is assured of three medals here. One gold, and two silvers at least. It could go the other way around as well, and we could end up getting two golds and one silver too. Abhishek Verma and Ojas Deotale are in the men’s final of compound archery, and Jyothi Surekha Vennam in the women’s event. So three more medals will be added here.

Hockey

Having entered the final already, the men’s team has confirmed a silver medal this year. They will be up against Japan in the final and would like to sign off with a win. Also at stake is the Olympic qualification. So the Indian men’s hockey team will give it their all there.

Badminton

After 1982, HS Prannoy became the first Indian to win a medal at the Asian Games in the men’s singles event. The last person to do so was Syed Modi. He will be up against Li Shi Feng of China in the semis and would love a gold medal at the tournament.

Bridge

The Indian men’s team is in the final of the event and is guaranteed a silver medal. On Friday, they will face Hong Kong in the final. Adding these medals takes the Indian medal tally to 94.

How Can India Medal at Asian Games Reach 100

The 100-medal mark can be a reality for the Indian contingent with a few more medal events to go for us.

Cricket

The Indian men’s cricket team is yet to face Bangladesh in the semis of the Asian Games. A win there would guarantee them a silver medal. Although unlikely, in case of a loss, India will have another go at the medal in the bronze-medal play-off.

Hockey

After a 0-4 shock loss to China in the semis, the Indian women’s hockey team will have another go at the medal. They will play in the bronze medal play-off. After being deflated by the hosts, it will be difficult to pick themselves up, but they will have to deliver. A medal should come there.

Chess

At the end of the seventh round on Thursday, the Indian men’s and women’s teams are in the second position, respectively. Ideally, the Indian teams should go for golds, but having said that, two medals look likely for now.

Wrestling

In what has been a disappointing campaign by our wrestlers, the likes of Bajrang Punia, and Deepak Punia would like to change that. We so far have one medal each from Greco-Roman and women’s freestyle, and men’s freestyle will have to come up with the goods. Hopefully, we can add three golds.

Archery

Recurve archery has so far been a disappointment for the Indians. However, all is not lost as yet. Aditi Gopichand will be playing her bronze medal playoff in the individual event, while there are chances in men’s and women’s team events.

Badminton

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/ Chirag Shetty will play their quarters match in the men’s doubles too. A win there will bring them another medal. If we manage to win all the medals at stake now, color notwithstanding, we will end up with 105 medals.