The Asian Games 2018 will kick-start on August 18 in Jakarta and Palembang. India will participate in 34 sports out of 40 and 543 athletes will be representing India this time.
Javelin thrower star Neeraj Chopra will be India’s flag bearer in the opening ceremony of the upcoming Asian Games 2018. Chopra, who won the gold medal in Commonwealth Games 2018 in Gold Coast earlier this year, will lead India’s contingent in the multi-sport event.
Let’s have a look at some of India’s medal contenders
1. Dipa Karmakar
Having recently won the gold at World Challenge Cup in July, Dipa would be hoping to clinch her first yellow metal at Asian Games.
2. Bajrang Punia
With three gold medals under his belt at the CWG, Tbilisi Grand Prix and at the Yasar Dogu International in Istanbul respectively, Bajrang will be the favourite for the gold in the 65kg freestyle category.
3. Sakshi Malik
2016 Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sakshi Malik will be the biggest gold medal hope for India in the 62kg category.
4. Hima Das
First Indian woman to win a gold on track at a global event, 18-year-old Hima is another betfor India.
5. Deepika Kumari
Former World No 1, Deepika Kumari will be leading India’s women’s archery team. 2010 CWG gold medalist is one of India’s brightest medal winning prospect this year.
In 2014 edition, India won 57 medals in Incheon, South Korea, including 11 gold, 9 silver and 37 bronze.
