Jakarta: The race for continental supremacy begins as the 18th Asian Games kick off at the Indonesian capital here on Saturday. As always the Chinese are expected to dominate with Japan and South Korea challenging for the second spot. For the next fortnight close to 12,000 athletes from across 45 nations will strive to achieve their best and put up a fine show.
India, who finished a creditable third behind Australia and England in the Commonwealth Games held at Gold Coast earlier this year, are keen on improving their eighth-place finish (11 gold, 10 sliver and 36 bronze) at Incheon in 2014. But unlike the CWG, the field is much stronger in events such as shooting, badminton and wrestling. These are also three disciplines in which the Indians are expected to win quite a number of medals.
One good thing for the Indians is that the country is expecting a rich haul in athletics as the level of competition in Asia is a bit less as compared to the field at CWG. Neeraj Chopra’s consistent run of form in the events leading up to the Games makes him the hot favourite in javelin throw and he should add to the CWG gold. Jinson Johnson (800m) and the 4x400m relay teams (men, women and mixed) are also expected to corner glory.
Favourites
Kabaddi and hockey are two events in which India are eyeing a double. The Indians have ruled the roost in kabaddi having picked up all nine golds (7 in men’s section and two on the distaff side) on offer so far at the Games. The Indian men’s hockey team is ranked No. 5 in the world and nothing less than the yellow metal will be deemed a failure by Sreejesh and Co.
India have world-class shuttlers P V Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth and H S Prannoy in their ranks. But the quality of Asian players is such that it is almost impossible to predict who all will walk away with the medals.
The onus in on the Indian wrestlers, boxers and archers too to add to the medals tally.
The shooting competition to be held in Palembang will test the resolve of teen sensations Anish Bhanwala and Manu Bhaker.
As always there has been much drama regarding the selection of the 572-member Indian contingent with a couple of athletes even moving the court. The fact that they have traditionally done well at the Games should be a morale-booster for the Indians though. The real test begins now.
