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The ministry has included the name of wrestler Bajrang Punia in the list...
Digital Desk: In a significant development for the sporting world, the Sports Ministry has given the green light to a record-breaking contingent of 634 sportspersons to represent India at the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games. This staggering number of athletes surpasses the previous edition's count of 572 athletes who participated in the continental showcase in Jakarta back in 2018. The Hangzhou Asian Games are scheduled to take place from September 23 to October 8.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had originally recommended a total of 850 athletes to participate in the event. This monumental decision to send 634 athletes underscores India's commitment to achieving excellence in the world of sports.
Track and field events have secured a position of pride in this year's contingent, with a total of 65 athletes, including 34 men and 31 women, set to compete. This formidable team will be representing India in a diverse range of disciplines, spanning a total of 38 sports.
One of the standout inclusions is the participation of both the men's and women's cricket teams, each consisting of 15 members. Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of many Indians, and their presence in the Hangzhou Asian Games is bound to capture the nation's attention.
In addition to cricket, other sports such as football, hockey, shooting, and sailing have also received significant representation. The contingent comprises a total of 44 footballers, split equally between men's and women's teams. Hockey, a sport with a rich tradition in India, will have 36 athletes participating, with 18 players each in the men's and women's sections.
Shooting, a discipline in which India has consistently excelled at the continental level, will be represented by a robust contingent of 30 athletes. Similarly, sailing, which has been gaining traction in the country, will field a 33-member team.
However, some sports did not receive the nod from the Sports Ministry for male athletes. Weightlifting, gymnastics, handball, and rugby are among the disciplines that won't be represented by male athletes from India. Female athletes have secured spots in weightlifting and kurash (a form of martial art), with only one gymnast also making the list.
One of the intriguing aspects of this selection is the inclusion of wrestler Bajrang Punia (65kg), who was recommended by the IOA ad-hoc panel without undergoing the Asian Games trials. His inclusion has sparked discussions, especially considering the claims of wrestler Vishal Kaliraman, who had topped the trials in the same weight category.
Wrestler Antim Panghal (53kg) finds himself on the list due to the withdrawal of 2018 Jakarta Asian Games gold medalist Vinesh Panghal, who had received a direct entry but pulled out due to a knee injury.
Chess enthusiasts will also be pleased to note the participation of Koneru Humpy, a double Asian Games gold medalist in 2006. Humpy is set to be a vital part of the Indian chess team, which includes renowned players like D Harika and R Praggnanandhaa.
The selection of this diverse and talented contingent reflects India's commitment to excelling in the international sporting arena. As the Hangzhou Asian Games draw closer, the nation eagerly anticipates the performances of these athletes on the grand stage.
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