India’s best opportunity to scale highest tally
JAKARTA: Fireworks splashed myriad colours in the skyline on Thursday night as the Indonesian capital completed the final dress rehearsal of the Asian Games opening ceremony. It seemed a statement that determination and commitment can help achieve the most difficult task.
It was only in 2014, after Hanoi reneged on its commitment to host the Asian Games that Jakarta stepped in. There is a message here not just for the countries who aspire to host the games but also for the 9000-odd athletes converged here that no hurdle is insurmountable.
India has one of the biggest contingents and they should not look beyond the dedication and devotion of the host country to draw inspiration to try and take their performance to the next level. Following their 2010 Commonwealth Games success, India grabbed their best medal haul at the Asian Games the same year in Guangzhou, China, winning 14 gold, 17 silver and 37 bronze.
EXPECTATIONS HIGH
But the expectations will be high from them to set a new benchmark with an imposing line-up of athletes converging in the twin cities of Jakarta and Palembang, separated by a distance of 600 km. For sure, India will have to lean on the sharpness of its marksmen, led by the young Manu Bhaker and Anish Bhanwala, the endurance of its athletes — javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and sprinter Hima Das — and the power of its grapplers, led by the redoubtable Sushil Kumar.
The events in the last couple of days have been far from congenial with one of the most recognisable Indian athlete, tennis ace Leander Paes, leaving the contingent in the lurch by pulling out at the last minute. But such shockers are now part of Indian sporting ‘folklore’.
Discus thrower Seema Antil Punia’s withdrawal before the 2006 Doha Asian Games, or the media circus enacted by Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi during the same edition, not just made one immune to the eccentricities of Indian athletes but also to the fact that national pride is just a phrase bandied by such athletes to get cheap publicity. Nothing more.
The latest controversy apart, it could well be India’s biggest chance to overhaul their best tally. Going by form, the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams could be gunning for a pair gold as, for the first time in continental history they both are ranked No 1. A little more pluck could well see them secure the 2020 Tokyo Olympic berths here.