In the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023, India's top athletes are not only aiming for medals but also for coveted slots at the Paris 2024 Olympics. With a strong representation of 655 participants across 41 of the 61 events, the Indian contingent is optimistic about surpassing its previous haul of 70 medals, including a record 16 gold achieved in the 2018 edition.
Key sports offer dual rewards – the pride of becoming the Asian Champion and a direct entry to the Paris Olympics. Among these are:
Boxing: With Olympic quotas up for grabs, all eyes will be on standouts like Shiva Thapa, Nishant Dev, and Deepak Bhoria. Men's categories will offer two quotas, rewarding both gold and silver medalists, while certain women's categories extend up to four quotas.
Archery: Gold-winning mixed recurve teams will secure a quota. Additionally, individual gold and silver medalists, both men and women, can clinch their spots. Atanu Das remains a strong gold medal contender.
Sailing: Depending on the category, Olympic qualifications could range from only the gold medalist to all medal-winning positions.
Hockey: The Tokyo Olympic bronze-winning Indian team remains a favourite, with both men's and women's championship teams in contention of securing their Olympic berth.
Modern Pentathlon: India's hopeful, Mayank Chaphekar, aspires for a double triumph – a medal in the Asian Games coupled with an Olympic quota.
Tennis: The champions of the men's and women's singles will earn direct entries to the Paris Olympics.
India's Tennis squad for Asian Games 2023 –
Men’s team: Rohan Bopanna, Sumit Nagal, Yuki Bhambri, Saketh Myneni, Mukund Sasikumar, Ramkumar Ramanathan
Women’s team: Rutuja Bhosle, Ankita Raina, Karman Kaur Thandi, Prarthana Thombare, Vaidehi Chaudhari, Sahaja Yamlapalli
In certain disciplines like boxing, archery, and hockey, the Asian Games doubles up as an Olympic qualifier, emphasising its importance in the global sports calendar. The event also opens avenues in athletics and swimming, where athletes can book their Paris trip by hitting the Olympic qualification mark.
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