After Hangzhou high, Nagoya puts India to Asiad test

Nagoya, a bustling city in Japan, will host the 20th Asian Games, where India's rapidly expanding sporting prowess will be put to the test. The Games, set to kick off on Saturday, will feature over 11,000 athletes participating in 43 sports, making it a larger competition than the Olympics despite the smaller number of participating countries.

Upon arrival, Indian athletes have faced a chaotic accommodation situation, with many having to wait in cramped and poorly equipped rooms. However, the city's industrial heart and well-ordered streets provide a stark contrast to the initial unrest.

India enters the Games with high ambitions beyond just winning medals. They aim to join the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and the top five by 2047. The upcoming event offers a glimpse into India's progress towards this long-term goal.

The track-and-field athletes and shooters will lead the charge, with Manu Bhaker, a double Olympic medalist, spearheading the shooting contingent. However, Neeraj Chopra, a two-time Asian Games champion, will miss the event due to injury, leaving India's athletics contingent without one of its biggest stars.

Despite this setback, India's 74-member athletics contingent includes several athletes capable of challenging for medals. They will compete in a variety of events, including shot put, long jump, distance events, javelin, decathlon, and women's long jump.

Cricket will also be a major focus, with the Indian women's team aiming to defend their Asian Games title. The men's team returns with unfinished business, having won gold in Hangzhou after a controversial final against Afghanistan.

Badminton is another key sport, with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty looking to secure India's first Asian Games gold in men's doubles. PV Sindhu, a veteran of major multi-sport competitions, will join the younger talent, including Unnati Hooda, in the lineup.

The hockey teams, both men and women, hold significant importance in India's Asian Games campaign. The men, defending champions, aim to secure automatic qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics, while the women aim to improve upon their recent performances in the World Cup and Pro League.