Step into the world of elite athletes as they prepare to make their mark in the upcoming event in Hangzhou. With their eyes set on victory, these athletes showcase unrivaled skills and determination. From the pool to the track and beyond, they strive to push the limits of human potential and inspire us all. Get ready to meet 10 exceptional individuals who are poised to dominate their respective sports. From rising stars to seasoned veterans, these athletes embody the spirit of competition and are set to captivate audiences around the world. As they battle it out for glory in Hangzhou, their stories of triumph and perseverance will leave you in awe. Join us as we dive into the world of these remarkable athletes. Discover their training routines, hear their personal stories of triumph over adversity, and learn about the obstacles they have overcome to reach the pinnacle of their sport. With their sights firmly set on victory, they are ready to write their names in the history books. Get to know these incredible athletes and witness their journey to greatness in Hangzhou.
Neeraj Chopra (Men’s javelin throw)
Neeraj Chopra will look to defend his Asian Games gold medal from Jakarta 2018. The Indian had taken the top spot on the podium in Indonesia with a massive throw of 88.06m. Since then, Neeraj has become the World, Olympic and Diamond League champion
Neeraj has a massive personal best of 89.94m, while this year, his best throw has been 88.67m achieved in Doha
Nikhat Zareen (Boxing – Women’s 50kg)
Boxer Nikhat Zareen is the reigning world and Commonwealth champion in women’s 50kg category. While she has never competed in the Asian Games before, the 27-year-old from Nizamabad is expected to be the favourite for the gold medal.
Win at the Asian Games will also take Nikhat closer to her ultimate dream of an Olympic medal as the Asiad is also a qualifier for Paris Olympics 2024
Indian men’s hockey team
The Indian men’s hockey team will look to put behind the disappointment of a bronze medal from Jakarta 2018 and win gold this time as the Asian Games winner is given direct entry into the Olympics
Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams
Both Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams will make their Asian Games debut in Hangzhou and will start the event as heavy favourites for the gold medal.
The 15-member men’s team will be led by Ruturaj Gaikwad
Jyothi Surekha Vennam (Compound Archery)
Jyothi Surekha Vennam is one of the most decorated Indian archers with multiple medals at Asian Archery Championships, World Cups and World Championships.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (Badminton – Men’s Doubles)
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are World No. 3 in men’s doubles rankings. The duo has been in spectacular form since last year.
Rudrankksh Patil (Shooting – Men’s 10m Air Rifle)
Rudrankksh Patil, the 19-year-old shooter from Thane, will make his Asian Games debut this year. Patil will be one of the favourites to clinch gold in the men’s 10m air rifle event, a feat which no other Indian male shooter has achieved previously
Tejaswin Shankar (Decathlon)
Tejaswin Shankar is a big medal prospect for India in decathlon at the Asian Games despite his recent switch from high jump in which he holds the National Record
Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting – women’s 49kg)
Mirabai Chanu made her Asian Games debut in 2014 in Incheon and finished ninth in the women’s 48kg category. Since then, she has shown amazing growth. She has won two gold and one silver medals at the Commonwealth Games, a World Championship title in 2017 with her biggest achievement being the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics
