India is aiming for a record-breaking medal tally at next year’s Asian Games in Japan, as part of a strategic plan to enhance their performance at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The world’s most populous country exceeded expectations at Hangzhou in 2023, surpassing the 100-medal mark for the first time, finishing fourth behind China, Japan, and South Korea.
Fueled by their cricketers, shooters, and archers, India secured 107 medals at the Covid-postponed event, marking their best performance to date.
Officials are optimistic about achieving even greater success at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4 next year.
“I don’t usually discuss medals, but I can assure you we will improve on our last performance,” said Adille Sumariwalla, spokesperson for the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), speaking to AFP with the Games a year away.
“Athletics is a field I am passionate about, and I am confident we will excel,” he added.
Sumariwalla, a former sprinter who represented India at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, emphasized that the larger target is the Los Angeles Games.
“The athletics federation is focused on the 2028 Olympics in LA. If the Asian Games yield medals, that is a bonus,” he stated.
India has underperformed at the Olympics for its size, having won only 10 gold medals historically.
Star Power of Chopra
Among these was javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, the 2021 Tokyo champion.
He will lead India’s efforts in Japan, aiming for a third consecutive Asian Games title.
Chopra’s renowned rivalry with Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who bested him for gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is anticipated to be a highlight.
India’s male and female cricketers, who both clinched gold in Hangzhou, are expected to replicate this success in Japan.
With cricket returning to the Olympics in 2028, it presents a significant opportunity for India to boost its modest Olympic medal count.
In Japan, the men’s hockey team will strive to defend the title regained in China, while the women’s team seeks redemption after securing bronze.
Shooting, India’s primary medal-winning sport at the Asian Games, will again be pivotal.
Manu Bhaker aims to defend her team gold in the 25m pistol, having become the first Indian to win two shooting medals at the Olympics.
Archery has also emerged as a strong medal contender for India.
India captured nine medals in Hangzhou in this sport, and recently the men’s compound team won gold at the World Championships in South Korea.
Traditional sports like kabaddi are expected to sustain India’s medal momentum following their contentious final against Iran two years ago.
On the athletics track, the AFI is prioritizing the men’s and women’s 4x100m relays, capitalizing on recent successes.
In April, the men’s 4x100m relay team clocked 38.69 seconds, a time that could secure a podium finish in Aichi-Nagoya.
