Record-breaking team of 634 athletes set to represent India at Hangzhou Asian Games
text_fields
New Delhi: India is set to send a historic number of 634 athletes to the Hangzhou Asian Games, said a statement from the Sports Ministry.
This impressive figure surpasses the 572 athletes who participated in the previous edition of the continental sporting event in Jakarta in 2018. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had initially recommended a total of 850 athletes for the upcoming games, scheduled to take place from September 23 in Hangzhou.
Track and field events have been accorded special prominence, with a significant contingent of 65 athletes, including 34 men and 31 women, making up the roster. Across 38 different disciplines, sportspersons have been cleared for participation. Notably, football will see a total of 44 players, equally divided between men's and women's teams.
Hockey, a sport with a rich history in India, will be represented by 36 athletes, with 18 players each in both the men's and women's categories. Both the men's and women's cricket teams, comprising 15 members each, are part of the contingent.
Renowned for its consistent performance, the shooting sport will have a substantial 30-member team representing India at Hangzhou. Sailing, too, boasts a strong 33-member contingent.
However, certain disciplines will see limited representation.
The Sports Ministry has not cleared any male athletes for weightlifting, gymnastics, handball, and rugby. Kurash, a martial art, and weightlifting will have only two female participants each, while gymnastics will feature a single athlete.
A notable inclusion in the contingent is wrestler Bajrang Punia (65kg), whose name has been listed following the decision of the IOA ad-hoc panel. It recommended his participation without requiring him to go through the Asian Games trials. Wrestler Antim Panghal (53kg) has also been included after 2018 Jakarta Asian Games gold medallist Vinesh Panghal withdrew due to a knee injury.
Indian chess player Koneru Humpy, a double Asian Games gold medallist in 2006, will be part of a formidable chess team alongside D Harika and R Praggnanandhaa. Despite Humpy's earlier indications that she might not compete, her participation is anticipated in the event.