Focus on Neeraj, Hima in athletics

JAKARTA: The spotlight will be on Neeraj Chopra and Hima Das while Dutee Chand will look to prove a point when India’s track and field athletes begin their campaign in the Asian Games here on Saturday.

The rise of young athletes and consistency shown by the established names such as Mohammed Anas, Seema Punia and Jinson Johnson has given hopes of India bettering the medal tally of the last edition.

Of India’s 57 medals in Incheon 2014, athletics had delivered 13, including two gold.

Chopra is expected to face stiff competition from Chinese Taipei’s Cheng Chao Tsun, with the men’s javelin throw final being scheduled for August 27.

Hima, 400m gold medallist at this year’s IAAF World Junior Championships, will have compatriot Nirmala Sheoran in the field in the qualification round.

Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser, however, will start as favourite in the event.

The qualification rounds for both women’s 400m and 100m, where Dutee Chand will be in action, will be held on Saturday.

Tajinder Pal Singh Toor will be strong contender for a medal in the men’s shot put, while Mohammed Anas will also be in action in men’s 400m qualification.

Indian hopes will also be pinned on discus thrower Seema Punia, hammer thrower Sarita Singh and its 4x400 mixed and 4x400m women’s relay teams.