From Financialexpress · N Chandra Mohan · · 1m 20s
Silver Lining at Aichi-Nagoya
India's Asian Games performance sparks hope for sporting renaissance after second-best medal tally.
In brief
India's Asian Games performance sparks hope for sporting renaissance after second-best medal tally. India's second-best Asian Games performance triggers questions about how to build on its 24 medals to achieve more golds. Originally reported by Financialexpress.
India's Asian Games Performance
India's 495-strong contingent competing in 36 sporting disciplines delivered a highly creditable performance at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
Second-Best Medal Tally
The performance is the second best ever in all editions of this event since 1951, with 24 medals compared to 29 at Hangzhou.
Athletics Challenges
India secured only one athletics gold but struggled to defend Hangzhou's six medals in key events like the men's 3000m steeplechase.
Track and Field Breakthroughs
India won its first-ever women's pole vault bronze and secured silver in the men's marathon after a 56-year wait.
Gulveer Singh's Achievement
Gulveer Singh, an army man from Uttar Pradesh, won silvers in the 10,000m and 1500m and a bronze in the 5,000m after high altitude training in Colorado Springs.
Team Event Success
India regained hockey supremacy with men's and women's victories, ending a 44-year wait for women's hockey after defeating China.
Future Steps for Sports
The Union Cabinet approved an expanded Khelo India Scheme with Rs 36,441 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31 to develop rural athletes into world-class competitors.
The big picture
India's second-best Asian Games performance triggers questions about how to build on its 24 medals to achieve more golds.
