Trial by fire for indian athletes

The build-up has been signature chaos with complaints and even court cases about selection matters, usual controversies over the size of the contingent which came to 804 -- athletes and officials combined, and not to forget, the credentials of the travelling officials. But as has been the case with Indian sports for the past several decades, the athletes would try to ensure that focus remains firmly on the results once the competition gets underway after the customary opening ceremony here on Saturday.

There was quite literally a gold rush at Gold Coast CWG where India notched up its second best medal tally of all time. But most athletes and their coaches have already acknowledged that the Asiad is going to be a different ball game given the presence of powerhouses such as China, Japan and Korea. However, that has dampened neither the excitement nor the expectations.

India had equalled its best performance in terms of medals won in the 2014 Asiad with a total of 57, including 11 gold, and the contingent of 572 athletes this time would be hoping to better that.  The contenders range from a 16-year-old schoolgirl from Haryana in Manu Bhaker (shooting) to the proven-but-struggling Sushil Kumar (wrestling) to the in-form and consistently rising to new heights, Neeraj Chopra (Javelin Throw).

Then there are the likes of Hima Das, a sprint sensation who has raised hopes by becoming the first Indian woman to claim a world championships gold, albeit in the under-20 competition. There is no denying the fact that she will among the favourites at the Games in Jakarta.

India’s track-and-field stars have historically done well at the Asiad, delivering 282 medals so far, 74 of them gold.  And it is not expected to be any different this time.  On to the badminton court where PV Sindhu would be hoping to break her final jinx. But once again a strong field will stand in the way given that shuttlers from traditional power-centres China, Thailand, and Japan will be in action.

India can also hope for a good show on the wrestling mat where the in-form duo of Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat are being seen as sure-shot medal hopes. However, it’s redemption time for a few struggling stars. Olympic medallists Sushil Kumar and Sakshi Malik are not in the best of form. 

The men’s hockey team will be aiming for a gold and a direct entry into the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The team, which recently ended runner-up to Australia at the Champions Trophy, does not have many tough nuts to crack and it will only be a disaster if it returns without gold. The women’s team is expected to improve upon its bronze-medal show in Incheon.

At the shooting ranges of Palembang, Manu will hold centre stage and given her form, it would be a surprise if she lets the spotlight shift anywhere else. The boxing arena will have some strong Indian presence too with the likes of Vikas Krishan, Shiva Thapa and the fast-rising Gaurav Solanki presenting India’s men’s challenge. Among the women, world silver-medallist Sarjubala Devi will be a medal hope.

The tennis contingent is already grappling with the kind of drama that has become its trademark at every major event. In the absence of world champion Mirabai Chanu, India’s challenge has weakened in weightlifting. 

In table tennis, Manika Batra would be aiming for an encore of her golden run at the CWG but it would be easier said than done given Chinese and Japanese presence in the draw. Among the men, Veteran A Sharath Kamal would be the one to watch out for again.  Dipa Karmakar would be continuing her spirited return from injury in the gymnastics arena and it would be interesting what she attempts on the vault.