Five most competitive sports for India to win medal at Asian Games 2023

The Indian contingent comprises 655 athletes.

India has made a commendable start at the Asian Games 2023, with its 655-member contingent. The country has already secured a tally of medals, comprising 13 gold, 24 silver and 23 bronze accolades.

During the previous edition of Jakarta 2018, the Indian contingent demonstrated exceptional performance by securing a record-breaking number of medals at the Asian Games. With a team consisting of 570 talented athletes, India earned an impressive tally of 70 medals, including 16 gold, 23 silver and 31 bronze. As the size of the delegation has increased, it is anticipated that the medal count will also witness a significant rise.

In this article, we will delve into the top five most fiercely contested sports where the quest for securing a medal is of utmost significance.

Badminton

In recent years, badminton has witnessed a significant surge in popularity as one of India's prominent sports. The sport has also experienced a notable increase in participation.

The Indian badminton delegation for the 2023 Asian Games comprises a total of 19 players, with 10 men and nine women among them. Despite facing strong competition from players representing China, Thailand, South Korea and Indonesia, Indian badminton players should not be underestimated when it comes to vying for medals.

With the two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu being the prominent name amongst the players, the Indian players will look to secure their first gold at the ongoing Asian Games.

Shooting

The Indian shooting contingent has already secured 13 medals in their collection at the Asian Games 2023. Prior to the commencement of this year's Asian Games, India had amassed a total of 58 medals in the quadrennial event, including nine gold medals.

The Doha 2006 edition stands as India's most successful campaign in terms of shooting, having clinched three gold medals, five silver medals and six bronze medals, resulting in a commendable tally of 14 medals.

It was evident that India's impressive roster of shooters, comprising individuals such as Esha Singh, Rhythm Sangwan, Mehuli Ghosh and Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, will have an exceptional display of skills and determination that will result in achieving laurels for the country.

While acknowledging the dominance of countries like China and Uzbekistan in certain rounds, Indian shooters have commendably contested their counterparts, preventing them from securing an uncontested victory.

Wrestling

Wrestling holds a significant position in India's sports landscape, consistently bringing home numerous medals not only in the Asian Games but also at the Olympics. At the ongoing Asian Games 2023, a formidable team of 18 Indian wrestlers is set to compete against the best Asian wrestlers.

While notable names may be absent, wrestlers such as Bajrang Punia, Sonam Malik, Deepak Punia and the rising star Antim Panghal are expected to contribute towards expanding India's medal count.

Since its inclusion at the Asian Games in 1954, wrestling has remained a prominent sport. As a matter of fact, it has proven to be highly fruitful for India, standing second only to athletics, with a total of 59 medals, including 11 gold medals.

Archery

Indian archery has experienced a commendable surge in recent times, witnessing the consistent triumph of skilled archers on the global platform. India boasts an impressive track record in archery at the Asian Games, securing a total of 10 medals, including one gold, four silver and five bronze medals.

Among the esteemed members of the 16-strong Indian archery team are the reigning World Champion Aditi Gopichand Swami and Ojas Pravin Deotale.

South Korea, China and Japan are the other stakeholders in the archery world, Indian archers will also look to perform at their best to win the titles. In addition to the aforementioned archers, Abhishek Verma, Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Dhiraj Bommadevara are also expected to be strong contenders for the medals in their respective events.

Athletics

The spotlight will undoubtedly be focused on the athletic arena when Neeraj Chopra the accomplished Javelin thrower and reigning Olympic Champion from India, steps onto the field. Leading a formidable contingent of 65 Indian athletes, Neeraj is set to display his exceptional prowess and skill.

Although there has been fierce competition from their counterparts, athletics has consistently played a pivotal role in India's medal count at the Asian Games throughout its history. At the 2018 edition, the discipline of athletics contributed significantly to India's overall tally, securing a commendable number of 20 medals, including 8 gold, 9 silver, and 3 bronze. These achievements played a crucial role in the nation's total of 70 medals.