The Indian delegation has concluded its impressive journey at the 19th Asian Games 2023, achieving a monumental milestone in Indian sporting history by securing a record-breaking 107 medals. This historic achievement, comprising 28 gold, 38 silver, and 41 bronze medals, cements India’s position as a sporting powerhouse in the Asian continent.
India’s performance at the Asian Games exceeded all expectations, perfectly aligning with the ambitious “Iss baar 100 paar” goal. The achievement of surpassing the 100-medal mark was officially realized during this 20-day extravaganza.
Having already secured 95 medals on Friday, India’s century in the medal count was virtually assured. Saturday saw India winning an additional four medals in archery, and the women’s kabaddi team’s resounding victory over Chinese Taipei in the summit clash marked India’s 100th medal at the event.
India’s remarkable tally of 107 medals not only surpasses their previous best, set during the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games but also secures a prominent fourth position in the overall medal count. This extraordinary accomplishment is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of the 650+ athletes who represented India at Hangzhou.
Beyond the impressive numbers, it is the cherished memories that will remain etched in the hearts of the Indian sporting community. Highlights include Team India’s inaugural medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Team Event, a Gold in the Men’s Air Rifle Team Event, India’s historic victory in Squash, the double medals in Javelin Throw, and Parul Choudhary’s remarkable come-from-behind triumph in the Women’s 5000m, among others. These moments will be celebrated by Indian sports enthusiasts for years to come.
Athletics played a pivotal role in India’s success, contributing the highest number of medals, with standout performances by ‘Golden Boy’ Neeraj Chopra and Kishore Kumar Jena securing a historic javelin 1-2 podium finish. Parul Chaudhary and Avinash Sable’s double podium, Tajinderpal Singh Toor’s successful defense of his shot put title, the 4x400m relay teams’ triumph, and Tejaswin Shankar’s national record-breaking decathlon silver added to the glory on the track and field.
Indian shooters also left an indelible mark at Hangzhou, setting a record by winning 22 medals, including seven golds. Notable world records were shattered by Sift Kaur Samra and the men’s 10m air rifle team, featuring Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar.
In squash, Dipika Pallikal and Harinder Pal Sandhu secured India’s first mixed doubles gold medal in Asian Games history. The men’s squash team clinched first place, while the women’s team secured third. Saurav Ghosal’s silver marked his sixth successive individual medal at the Asian Games, and Anahat and Abhay Singh won a bronze medal in mixed doubles.
Indian kabaddi and cricket teams both stood atop the podium with gold medals, marking successful debuts for both cricket teams and a triumphant return for the kabaddi teams.
The Indian men’s hockey team secured gold and a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, while the women’s hockey team clinched a well-deserved bronze.
Badminton witnessed a historic moment as Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty claimed India’s first-ever badminton gold at the Asian Games. The men’s badminton team secured silver, and HS Prannoy exhibited incredible spirit to win a bronze despite an injury.
In archery, both recurve and compound teams added to India’s medal tally. India’s compound archers swept the titles, and the nation captured its first equestrian gold in 41 years. Tennis duo Rohan Bopanna and Rutuja Bhosale secured the mixed doubles crown.
Making her Asian Games debut, Lovlina Borgohain clinched silver and secured a quota for the Paris Olympics. India also earned three additional boxing quotas for Paris through Nikhat Zareen (50 kg), Preeti Pawar (54 kg), and Parveen Hooda (57 kg).
Aditi Ashok scripted history in golf as India’s first women’s golfer to win an Asian Games medal, claiming silver.
On the concluding day of the Asian Games, Indian athletes dazzled by winning a total of 12 medals, including six golds. This phenomenal performance culminated in a record-breaking tally of 107 medals, including 28 gold, 38 silver, and 41 bronze medals, elevating India’s stature in the realm of Asian sports.