Asian Games 2023: PM Modi Extends Wishes To Indian Squad Following Grand Opening At Hangzhou

The Asian Games 2023 officailay started with a spectacular ceremony on Saturday, and India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, extended his heartfelt wishes to the Indian contingent. The continental showdown got underway at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, popularly known as the Big Lotus, with a glittering opening ceremony that blended tradition and technology.

Leading Indian squad

Lovlina Borgohain, an Olympic bronze medalist from Tokyo, and Harmanpreet Singh, the men’s hockey team’s captain, headed up the Indian contingent.

In a message shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi expressed hope that the athletes would excel and set an example for the essence of true sportsmanship.

INDIA has officially arrived at the 19th #AsianGames 🫶🏼

ISS BAAR 💯 PAAR 🥇#SonySportsNetwork #TeamIndia #Cheer4India #IssBaar100Paar #Hangzhou2022 | @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/hv1OfAEVv1

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 23, 2023

“As the Asian Games commence, I convey my best wishes to the Indian contingent. India’s passion and commitment to sports shine through as we send our largest-ever contingent to the Asian Games. May our athletes play well and demonstrate in action what true sporting spirit is”, tweeted PM Modi.

As the Asian Games commence, I convey my best wishes to the Indian contingent. India’s passion and commitment to sports shines through as we send our largest ever contingent in the Asian Games. May our athletes play well and demonstrate in action what true sporting spirit is. pic.twitter.com/KLlsBj0C3e

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 23, 2023

India enters the 19th Asian Games with high hopes after achieving its best-ever medal tally of 70 medals during the 2018 edition of the event. While the official beginning of the games took place on September 23, cricket, football, volleyball, and beach volleyball had already begun on September 19.

(2/2) 🇮🇳🫶🏽🥰 pic.twitter.com/8RuaSXve6F

— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) September 23, 2023

Cricket’s debut in Asian Games

In this edition, cricket is debuting in the Asain Games, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad and Harmanpreet Kaur, respectively. The women’s cricket team began its campaign on September 21, with the final scheduled for September 25. The men’s cricket teams will begin their quest on September 27, culminating in the title’s final clash on October 7. The Indian men’s team will play its first match on October 3.

High hopes from track and field

India has sent a big contingent of 68 athletes in track and field events, marking the nation’s largest representation in the sport. Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra, a national hero, aims to replicate his gold-winning performance in Jakarta in 2018. Athletics competitions are scheduled from September 29 to October 5, with the men’s javelin throw final on October 4, featuring India’s ‘Golden Boy’ Neeraj Chopra.

The energy of भारत #TeamIndia 🇮🇳#IndiaAtAG22 pic.twitter.com/kNycxtaqwC

— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) September 23, 2023

Several Olympic medalists are representing India at the Asian Games, including badminton star PV Sindhu, boxer Lovlina Borgohain, wrestler Bajrang Punia, weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, and the bronze-winning men’s hockey team from Tokyo 2020.

Badminton competitions will run from September 28 to October 7, with PV Sindhu leading the 19-member Indian squad, joined by Commonwealth champions Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy. Tokyo 2020 silver medalist Chanu will make her Asiad debut in women’s 49 kg weightlifting on September 30, while Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist Bajrang Punia will compete in men’s 65 kg freestyle wrestling on October 6.

Boxing champs in squad

The boxing competition at the Asian Games serves as a qualifying event for the Paris Olympics in 2024. Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen begins her campaign in women’s 50 kg on September 24, while Lovlina Borgohain represents India in women’s 75 kg starting on September 26. Boxing competitions will conclude on October 5.

Bigger chance in hockey!

Furthermore, hockey competitions in the Asian Games will serve as qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Both the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams aim to secure gold, which would guarantee them a direct ticket to the multi-sport extravaganza next year. The men’s hockey event commences on September 24, and the Indian women’s hockey team takes to the field on September 25.

pic.twitter.com/7XgIiWDb67

— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) September 23, 2023

Among the other high-profile Indian athletes participating in various events are hurdler Jyothi Yarraji, steeplechase racer Avinash Sable, long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, former Asian champion boxer Shiva Thapa, and Indian table tennis stars Manika Batra and Sharath Kamal, along with teen chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa.