Punjab Newsline | Sports Desk
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games have come to an end. Over the 16-day event, the Indian contingent finished in fourth place on the medal tally, winning a total of 85 medals, including 21 gold. India's final tally also included 27 silver and 37 bronze medals. The men's hockey team brought a thrilling finish to India's campaign by defeating Malaysia 5-1 to secure the gold medal.
Campaign Concludes with Men's Hockey Victory
On the final day, India's biggest success came through the men's hockey team. In the final, the Indian team defeated Malaysia 5-1 to claim the gold medal. With this victory, India's total gold medal tally reached 21. This win by the men's hockey team solidified the country's position in fourth place on the overall medal tally.
Medal Tally Turned Around in the Final Two Days
The initial phase of the competition was relatively slow for the Indian contingent, but the athletes staged an impressive comeback in the final leg. According to available information, India had only 10 gold medals until Thursday and was outside the top 10. However, in the last two days, India added 11 gold medals to significantly boost its standings. Hockey, cricket, archery, boxing, and wrestling played pivotal roles in driving this turnaround.
India Trails Behind 2022 Performance
Although India won 85 medals this time, the performance fell short of its record at the previous Asian Games. In Hangzhou, the Indian contingent bagged 106 medals, including 28 gold. While both the total medal count and gold medal tally were lower than the previous edition, India successfully maintained its streak of finishing inside the top five.
Shooting and Athletics Contribute Highest Medals
Athletics and shooting contributed immensely to India's medal haul. In athletics, India won 24 medals—comprising 1 gold, 9 silver, and 14 bronze. In shooting, India secured 15 medals, including 3 gold, 8 silver, and 4 bronze. Archery also put up a strong performance, contributing 9 medals.
Both Men's and Women's Hockey Teams Win Gold
India achieved a remarkable double in hockey this edition. Both the women's and men's teams clinched gold medals. Following the women's team's victory, the men's team defeated Malaysia in the final to claim gold as well, earning India two gold medals in hockey.
Neeru Dhanda Serves as Flagbearer in Closing Ceremony
Shooter Neeru Dhanda served as the female flagbearer for the Indian contingent at the Asian Games closing ceremony. Having won two gold medals and one silver medal during the games, she was given the honor of leading the Indian delegation at the event.
Next Asian Games in Doha in 2030
With the conclusion of the games in Aichi-Nagoya, hosting duties were officially handed over to Qatar. The 2030 Asian Games will be held in Doha. The formal transfer of hosting responsibilities took place during the closing ceremony, officially drawing the curtain on the 16-day sporting spectacle.
