Indian Athletes Create History at The ASIAD

 

While the celebrations for their stellar performance at the Common Wealth Games had just started to mellow down, Indian athletes have given the country men another spectacular reason to cheer. And this time it was in China, at a stage much more competent than Common Wealth Games, Delhi. At the 10^th Asian Games, India has delivered its best performance ever by gathering a total of 14 gold, 17 silver, 33 bronze medals and ranking 6^th in the overall medal tally.

 

Rank	Nation	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total
1	China	199	119	98	416
2	South Korea	76	65	91	232
3	Japan	48	74	94	216
4	Iran	20	14	25	59
5	Kazakhstan	18	23	38	79
6	India	14	17	33	64
7	Chinese Taipei	13	16	38	67
8	Uzbekistan	11	22	23	56
9	Thailand	11	9	32	52
10	Malaysia	9	18	14	41

Although we are 5 ranks below China, the new behemoth in the world of sports, and even under some countries like South Korea, Iran and Kazakhstan, the performance at Guangzhou has proved that this billion plus civilization is undoubtedly a force to reckon. With an upbeat performance at the Olympics, CWG, and now at the Asiad, the Indian contingent in Guangzhou has announced in true style the arrival of India on the sports arena. We take this opportunity to highlight the performance of 10 outstanding athletes and two teams, who by grabbing the top slot for the tricolor on the flag staffs in Guangzhou have made their countrymen proud and happy beyond measure.

Athletics

From all the 64 medals in India’s kitty, perhaps the most cherished four are the ones earned by Indian Women’s athletic team in Guangzhou. This brigade of young girls from the nooks and the corners of our country not only stood the ground in face the stiff competition from some of the world’s finest athletes. Leading the bandwagon was Aswini CA from Udipi who grabbed the top spot in 400m hurdles. Aswini then partnered with her team mates – Manjit Kaur, Mandeep Kaur and Sini Jose to seal another gold medal for the nation in 4 X 400m relay. Here is a recap of the nail biting photo finish that kept the entire country at the corner of their seats:

 

India at 4X400m relay

The third gold medal in Athletics came from Sudha Singh, a 24 year old from Rae Bariely who bagged the first slot in the 3000 m staple chase. And the final medal in this category came from Preeja Sreedharan who proved her mettle in the most grueling and demanding format of the spot – the 10,000 meter run. While the brave ladies from the women’s contingent clearly stole the show, one gentleman ensured that men’s team also gets a mention in the final list of gold getters. Joseph Abrahim, A Indian Railways employee from Kerela gave his career best performance in the 400 meter hurdles to secure the top berth on the podium.

Boxing

India’s silver getter in the Beijing Olympics 2008, Vijendar Singh displayed top form at Guangzhou. Vijendar dismantled Attos Aboev, the double world champion from Uzbekistan in true style gaining an unassailable five point lead to seal his gold in men’s 75 kg category. Here is a quick recap of the final:

 

Boxing Finals at the 10th Asiad

 

Right on his footsteps was Vikas Krishan, another prodigy from the boxing hot bed of Bhivani. Vikas displayed a precocious combination of skill and tenacity to ensure his place on the podium in the men’s 60 kg category.

Tennis

Somdev Devvarman created history by becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal in the men's singles tennis event of the Asian Games after outplaying top seed and world number 44 Denis Istomin. The 25 year old from Guwhati then partnered with Sanam Singh to brag the doubles title as well.

Kabadi

As the inventors of the sport, Indian’s commonly consider dominance in the sport of Kabadi as their prerogative. But little do we realize the stiff competition that countries like Iran, Kazakhstan, and even China pose in the Kabadi ring. Hats off to the men’s and women’s Kabadi team, who despite the tough competition passed the test with flying colours.

Rowing

While every name in this list of athletes is in itself an extraordinary story of unflinching determination and indomitable will, none is more inspirational than the story of oarsmen Bajrang Lal Takhar who before enrolling for the rowing team couldn’t even swim. Relying purely on his courage and hard work, this gentleman overcame daunting odds to row India to its first major victory in a water sport.

Billiards

India’s gold haul in Guangzhou was given a head start by country’s most famous Billiards and Snooker champion, Pankaj Advani. The 25 year old from Bangalore clasped the gold in the billiards men’s single in a close fight with Myanmar's OO Nay Thway Oo.