Indian athletes left no stone unturned at the Asian Games 2023 as they clinched a record-breaking total of 107 medals. India’s remarkable run in Hangzhou consisted of 28 gold, 38 silver, and 41 bronze medals surpassing the previous record set at the Jakarta 2018 Asian Games of 70 medals, 37 less then the current record.
The penultimate day of the event, October 7, marked the day where Indian athletes added an additional six golds, four silvers and two bronzes to the tally.
One of the extraordinary moments of the day was Jyothi Surekha Vennam’s unstoppable run as she secured a hat-trick of golds in the women’s compound individual archery event. India’s Ojas Deotale clinched gold at the men’s individual compound archery event, sharing the podium with Abhishek Sharma who secured a silver.
The 100th medal of the tally, a historic feat, was added by the women’s kabaddi team that defeated Chinese Taipei in an edge-of-the-seat final. The Indian men’s kabaddi team too followed suit as they defeated defending champions – Iran in a controversial final that saw many protests take place, which held up the match by an hour and more.
Neeraj Chopra: Beyond the Javelin Throw, A Champion of Friendship and Sportsmanship. His Golden Moments Extend Beyond the Medal Stand.@gargiraut15 looks back at @Neeraj_chopra1‘s 2023 season!
More to follow in this series!@Limca_Official #NeerajChopra pic.twitter.com/SC8dFtHwWu
— RevSportz (@RevSportz) November 30, 2023
In cricket, there was no doubt that India would win the final against Afghanistan with a star studded team. Albeit the team won the gold medal without having played the match owing to rain. Due to India’s higher seeding order, the medal automatically went to country.
The star men’s doubles badminton pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, made history by earning India’s first-ever badminton gold at the Asian Games with a decisive win over the South Korean duo.
The Indian women’s hockey team claimed the bronze defeating defending champions Japan by 2-1.
When it came to 86kg freestyle wrestling category, Deepak Punia walked on the mat with gripping resilience but had to settle for a silver against Iranian wrestling legend Hasan Yazdani.
Two more silver medals were added to the tally as India’s men’s and women’s chess team had a check-mate kind of day, taking the tournament by storm.
Beyond the medals, the achievements brought to light several stories of unwavering spirit and dedication. From humble beginnings to making the nation proud in Hangzhou, going all out to pursue excellence. Taking on every challenge head on, turning setbacks into triumphs, they proved that true victory lies in the journey. Now to the 2024 Paris Olympics.