INDIA: In 2018, India set a record in the Asian Games by winning 70 medals, including 16 first-place finishes. The country has a distinguished history of participation in the Asian Games, highlighted by noteworthy accomplishments that span many years.
India’s legacy at the Asian Games is one to be proud of, from setting the bar for hosting the event to orchestrating historic victories across a wide range of sports. Let’s look at the best moments that sum up India’s extraordinary journey as the country prepares for this year’s Asiad in Hangzhou.
Inaugural hosts of the Asiad
India’s hosting of the Asian Games in 1951 and 1982 laid the foundation for its lasting legacy in sports. Rajendra Prasad, the president at the time, officially inaugurated the 1951 Games, and India finished second in the medal standings with 51 medals overall and 15 gold medals.
Gold in Football, 1951 and 1962
India won the 1951 football gold medal with a 1-0 victory over Iran, a feat praised by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. In 1962, the Indian team won its second gold medal against Korea 2-1 in Jakarta.
Milkha Singh’s historic gold
Milkha Singh, known as the “Flying Sikh,” played a significant role in India’s impressive track events, winning two gold medals at the 1958 Tokyo Games, earning him the title of Asia’s fastest man and elevating him to junior commissioned officer.
1986’s gold boom by PT Usha
PT Usha, known as the “Payyoli Express,” won four gold medals at the Asian Games, surpassing her 1982 silver medals. She set new national records in the 200, 400, 400-meter hurdles and 4×400-meter relay.
Jaspal Rana scores the first gold in history
Rana won the pistol event gold medal at the Asian Games at 17 by finishing first in the 25m centre fire event in Hiroshima in 1994, despite having no facilities or incentives.
Hockey triumph in 1998
In 1998, the Indian hockey team, led by Dhanraj Pillay, aimed to regain their former glory after a disappointing World Cup performance. They won the gold medal thanks to Pillay’s 11 goals in six games.
Geet Sethi and Ashok Shandilya triumph in pool
In 1998, the Asian Games included a historic event for cue sports, with Geet Sethi and Ashok Shandilya winning the English billiards doubles gold medal, defeating local favourites Praprut Chaithanasakun and Mongkhon Kanfaklang.
Mary Kom ends the stalemate
MC Mary Kom, the first Indian female boxer to win a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games, defeated Kazakhstan’s Zhaina Shekerbekova in a 2-0 match, showcasing her tactical mastery and historical achievement.
Javelin champion Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj’s success in the javelin throw began in 2018 with the Asiad glory, solidifying his position as a rising star in the sport. He won the Olympic gold medal three years later and the world championship gold.
Table tennis’s first-ever medal
In 2018, India won its first-ever medal in table tennis, earning bronze in the men’s team competition. In the quarterfinals, India overcame Japan. In the mixed doubles competition, Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra also took home the bronze.
Also Read: India Clinches Eighth Asia Cup Title with Commanding Victory over Sri Lanka
