With action set to begin at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang this weekend, here is a look at prominent Indian athletes, who will be medal contenders at the biggest multi-sport event after the Olympics.
With action set to begin at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang this weekend, here is a look at prominent Indian athletes, who will be medal contenders at the biggest multi-sport event after the Olympics.
(With PTI inputs)
1. Wrestling's contenders
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Sushil Kumar easily is one of India's most successful Olympians, Sushil is under pressure to perform after a flop show at Tbilisi Grand Prix. The defeat in Georgia, his first in four years, has already resulted in people questioning his exemption from Asiad trials. The two-time Olympic medallist would look to show that he still is a force to reckon with. PC: AFP
2. India's huge chance to turn tables around in badminton
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A lot rests on the shoulders of World Championship silver-medallist PV Sindhu but she needs to forget her defeat to Carolina Marin in Nanjing. Having lost four major finals, Sindhu would be keen to break the jinx. On the other hand, Saina Nehwal, who revolutionised the sport in India with her exploits has not been consistent enough, of late. The performance has gone up and down and the way she was blown away by Carolina Marin in at the Worlds was not a great sign. However, with her caliber and experience, she can never be ruled out. The best Asian Games final can be a clash between these two. India have never won a gold in this sport. PC: AFP
3. India's shooting sensation Manu Bhaker
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No Indian shooter has shown more promise than the Haryana school-going 16-year-old. With her gold medal winning performance at the ISSF World Cup, Manu became the youngest Indian to achieve the feat. She also shot down the gold at the CWG and will be a strong contender in the 10m air pistol event. PC: Twitter
4. Hima Das: India's rising star
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The rise of the 20-year-old from a village in Assam has been phenomenal in the last few months. After her sixth-place finish at the Gold Coast CWG with a timing of 51.32, she became the first Indian to win a gold at a global IAAF track and field event with a timing of 51.46s in 400m. Also, her CWG timing is better than Bahrain's Kemi Adekoya (51.59), the gold medal winner at 2014 Incheon Games. PC: PTI
5. Discuss Thrower: Neeraj Chopra
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The young javelin thrower's status in the Indian contingent was underlined when he was chosen as the flag-bearer. The 2016 Under-20 world champion has enjoyed a meteoric rise. After winning gold at CWG with a throw of 86.47m, he bettered his personal best by clearing a distance of 87.43 at the IAAF Diamond League in Doha. He has won three gold medals in last four events. PC: Reuters
6. Men's doubles pair India's hope in tennis
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If the veteran pro from Bengaluru has overcome a recent shoulder issue and could play to his potential, Bopanna will be a contender along with very impressive Divij in men's doubles. Meanwhile, in singles, Ramkumar Ramanathan is expected to produce a memorable show at the upcoming Asian Games. PC: AFP
7. Gymnastics: Dipa Karmarkar
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After missing out on CWG due to a knee injury, Dipa returned to competitions at the World Challenge Cup in Mersin, Turkey and won a gold. The Rio Olympics fourth-place finisher is tipped to be India's best medal bet in Jakarta. PC: PTI
8. Manika Batra - India's only hope in Table Tennis
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Her gold medal-winning performance at the Gold Coast was arguably the most inspiring performance at 2018 CWG for India. Although the level of competition in Jakarta will be altogether different, the Delhi-player is expected to give a strong fight to her rivals. PC: Reuters
