The Asian Games 2023, scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8, is all set to witness India's finest athletes vying for glory. As the nation hopes to surpass its impressive tally of 16 gold, 23 silver, and 31 bronze medals from the previous edition in Indonesia, here's a closer look at the top 10 Indian medal prospects who are expected to shine in Hangzhou.
Defending His Crown
Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion and Diamond League champion, aims to defend his Asian Games gold medal from Jakarta 2018. With a personal best of 89.94m, the world-beater is poised for another stellar performance.
Aiming for Gold
Nikhat Zareen, the reigning world and Commonwealth champion in the women's 50kg category, seeks gold at the Asian Games, which also serves as a qualifier for Paris Olympics 2024. She's on a mission to fulfill her dream of an Olympic medal.
Eyeing Olympic Qualification
The Indian men’s hockey team, rejuvenated under coach Craig Fulton, looks to put their Jakarta disappointment behind and secure gold. A direct Olympic entry awaits the winners, and the team's recent triumph at the Asian Champions Trophy bodes well for their prospects.
Golden Partner Search
Veteran Rohan Bopanna, paired with Matthew Ebden, is in prime form with ATP Tour titles and Grand Slam success. He aims to repeat his Jakarta 2018 gold, albeit with a new doubles partner.
Debuting with High Hopes
Both the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams make their Asian Games debut as top contenders for gold. Ruturaj Gaikwad leads the men’s team, while Smriti Mandhana captains the women's side, albeit without Harmanpreet Kaur.
Multiple Medals Await
With a history of success at Asian Archery Championships and World Championships, Jyothi Surekha Vennam aims to clinch multiple medals in Hangzhou.
World No. 3 Duo
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, ranked third in men's doubles, are a formidable pair. Their recent successes at major tournaments make them strong contenders for gold.
Gold Hunt in Air Rifle
Rudrankksh Patil, with his past accomplishments and consistent form, aims to secure India's first-ever gold in men’s 10m air rifle at the Asian Games.
Switching Disciplines for Gold
High-jump specialist Tejaswin Shankar is now a decathlete, chasing gold in his new event. His recent performances and Asian Games qualification signal his potential.
Olympic Silver Medalist's Quest
Mirabai Chanu, India's Olympic silver medalist, aspires to stand on the podium again at the Asian Games, despite formidable competition in her category.