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India’s Asian Games dip raises questions ahead of LA 2028
India won fewer medals at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games than it did at the last Asian Games.
It still finished fourth, but that ranking does not tell the whole story.
Some teams did very well, especially in hockey, and the hockey teams earned places at the next Olympics.
Archers also won many medals.
Shooting, badminton and track and field were less successful.
The article says this is a reason to review how athletes are prepared, not a reason to give up.
Asian Games results do not always predict Olympic results, because the Olympics bring tougher competition.
India has until Los Angeles 2028 to improve its training and planning.
India remained fourth at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, but its medal count fell from 106 at Hangzhou to 85.
India won 21 gold medals, seven fewer than at the previous Games, and sent 495 athletes compared with 661 in Hangzhou.
Team events provided 13 golds; men’s and women’s hockey teams also secured Olympic places.
Archery won nine medals, including five gold, while shooting, badminton and athletics had weaker showings.
The article calls for stronger talent scouting, coaching, advanced training and event-specific planning ahead of Los Angeles 2028.
- Who
- Indian athletes and sports authorities.
- What
- India’s Asian Games results and preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
- Where
- Aichi-Nagoya; the article also discusses the upcoming Olympics in Los Angeles.
- When
- At the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games; the article does not specify their dates.
- Why
- India’s medal total fell, prompting questions about its preparation and Olympic prospects.
Reasons for concern
Reasons for optimism
What the medal decline means
Reasons for concern
The drop from 106 medals to 85, alongside weaker performances in shooting, badminton and athletics, calls for a review of India’s preparation.
Reasons for optimism
An average Asian Games does not mean Olympic hopes are lost; the article notes that Asian Games success has not reliably translated into Olympic medals.
India’s Olympic prospects
Reasons for concern
The article says athletes in several disciplines need to raise their level, and that better scouting, coaching, training and planning are needed.
Reasons for optimism
Hockey teams have qualified, archers produced a strong medal haul, and the article identifies potential in cricket, shooting and javelin.
Key facts
- Medal-table position
- Fourth, the same position India held at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
- Total medals
- 85 at Aichi-Nagoya, down from 106 at Hangzhou.
- Gold medals
- 21, seven fewer than at Hangzhou.
- Athletes sent
- 495 at Aichi-Nagoya, compared with 661 at Hangzhou.
- Team-event golds
- 13 of India’s 21 gold medals came in team events.
- Archery
- Nine medals, including five gold.
- Government sports funding
- Close to ₹100 crore was spent on athletes between the two Asian Games, according to the article.
Sources
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