India is aiming for a record medal haul at next year’s Asian Games in Japan as part of a long-term plan to enhance their prospects at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The world’s most populous nation exceeded expectations at Hangzhou in 2023, surpassing the 100-medal mark for the first time, finishing fourth behind hosts China, Japan, and South Korea.
Fueled by their cricketers, shooters, and archers, India secured 107 medals at the Covid-delayed event, marking their best performance to date.
Officials are optimistic about improving this record at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4 next year.
“I don’t like to talk about medals ever but I can assure you that we will definitely do better than last time,” Adille Sumariwalla, spokesman for the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), told AFP with the Games one year away.
“Athletics is something that I am close to and I know that we will do better there.”
A former sprinter who represented India at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, Sumariwalla emphasized that India’s bigger goal is the Los Angeles Games.
“The focus for the athletics federation is the Olympics in LA 2028. On the way, if that (Asian Games) gives us medals, it is great,” he said.
India has historically underperformed at the Olympics for a country of its size, having won 10 gold medals in its history.
Chopra star power
One of those golds was won by javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, the 2021 Tokyo champion.
He will once again lead India’s campaign in Japan as he seeks a third straight Asian Games title.
Chopra’s renowned rivalry with Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who outshone him for gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is set to be one of the highlights.
India’s men and women cricketers both took gold in Hangzhou and are expected to replicate this success in Japan.
Cricket returns to the Olympics in 2028, offering India a significant opportunity to add to its modest tally on the grandest stage.
In Japan, the men’s hockey team will aim to defend the crown they regained in China, while India’s women will seek redemption after settling for bronze.
Shooting, India’s primary medal-winning sport at the Asian Games, will once again be crucial.
Manu Bhaker is set to defend her team gold in the 25m pistol after becoming the first Indian to win two shooting medals at the Olympics.
Archery has also become a medal-rich discipline for India.
India bagged nine medals in Hangzhou in the sport, and earlier this month, the men’s compound team clinched gold at the World Championships in South Korea.
Traditional sports like kabaddi are expected to keep India’s medal machine rolling after their contentious final against Iran two years ago.
On the athletics track, the AFI is prioritizing the men’s and women’s 4x100m relays, relying on recent successes.
In April, the men’s 4x100m relay team clocked 38.69 seconds, a time that could secure them a podium finish in Aichi-Nagoya.
