In a spectacular display of athletic prowess, India has once again etched its name in the annals of Asian Games history, climbing to the fourth spot in the medal standings at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games. With an infectious fervour, Indian athletes have amassed a total of 33 medals, and the nation’s sports enthusiasts couldn’t be prouder.
The 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta saw India return home with a remarkable haul of 70 medals, a record-breaking achievement that included an impressive 16 gold medals. Fast forward to Hangzhou 2022, and the Indian contingent is setting the stage on fire once more, albeit with a slightly different narrative.
Eight glittering gold medals adorn India’s tally till date, showcasing the country’s multifaceted sporting talent. These golds have been harvested from the fertile fields of shooting, and equestrian events. It’s a testament to India’s growing influence and dominance across diverse sporting disciplines.
In this awe-inspiring journey to the fourth spot, India has found heroes and heroines across various sports. Cricket, shooting, wushu, sailing, rowing, tennis, equestrian, squash, and shot put have all made significant contributions to this remarkable medal haul. Among these, shooting has emerged as a shining star, delivering a lion’s share of the medals.
One cannot help but admire the spectacular achievements of Aishwary Pratap Singh and Esha Singh, India’s leading medal earners at Hangzhou 2022. Aishwary Pratap Singh, with a remarkable collection of four medals, including two golds, and Esha Singh, boasting one gold and three silver medals, have left their mark on the world stage.
The legacy of Indian participation in the Asian Games is a long and storied one. India is among the select few nations to have participated in every edition of the Asian Games. Despite this legacy, India’s golden era at the Games was rekindled in Jakarta 2018 when they clinched a historic 16 gold medals, surpassing their previous best of 15 golds set during the inaugural Asian Games in 1951.
Traditionally, athletics has been India’s stronghold when it comes to medal-winning performances. As the curtains draw close on the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022, India’s athletes have not only made their presence felt but have also sparked hope for a brighter sporting future.
With the Closing Ceremony scheduled for October 8, India’s journey at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games is far from over. The nation waits with bated breath to see if the Indian tricolor will soar even higher on the medal tally. Regardless of the outcome, the spirit of Indian sportsmanship and the pursuit of excellence continue to inspire millions on the world stage.