India's performance in Asian Games at record best with over 70 medals

The Indian contingent's performance at Asian Games 2023 has been best-ever since 2018 with over 70 medals, including 16 gold, 26 silver and 29 bronze.

India's previous-best medal haul had come at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, when the country's athletes returned with 70 medals, including 16 gold, 23 silver and 31 bronze.

On Wednesday, Indian race walkers Manju Rani and Ram Baboo clinched a bronze medal in the 35km mixed race walk event helping the nation to beat its own record.


Compound archers Ojas Deotale and Jyothi Surekha Vennam then grabbed India's 71st medal when they won the mixed team gold medal.

"It is with great pleasure that I would like to state that India has forged its impression with the best ever medal haul in the Asian Games by crossing the 70 mark in medals tally and there are more to come," India's chef de mission Bhupender Singh Bajwa said.

India has sent its largest-ever contingent with an aim to cross the 100-medal mark at the continental showpiece.

'Aab ki Baar, Sau Paar' (which translates to crossing 100 medals this time) has been India's catch line for the Hangzhou Games.

Efforts acknowledged
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been active in lauding Indian athletes and their achievements at the 2023 Asian Games. On Wednesday, Oct 4, 2023, PM Modi congratulated India's 35 m race walk bronze medalists and archery gold medalists received a for their performances at the ongoing Asian Games in Hangzhou.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he lauded the players for their "endurance and determination".

"Congratulations to Ram Baboo and Manju Rani for bringing glory to India with their Bronze Medal in the 35km Race Walk Mixed Team event. This would not be possible without the tremendous endurance and determination shown by these amazing athletes," tweeted PM Modi.

https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1709419443686883434

Clocking timings of 5:51:14 hours, the Indian duo secured a bronze and continued the country's fine run in athletics.

The gold medal went to China (5:16:41 hours) and the silver medal was bagged by Japan (5:22:11 hours).

Later, PM lauded Jyothi Surekha and Ojas Deotale for their gold medal in the mixed team compound archery event.

"First Gold Medal in Archery at the Asian Games! Well done @VJSurekha and Ojas, for hitting the bullseye in the Mixed Team Compound event, leading to a perfect podium finish. Their exceptional skill, precision and teamwork has ensured great results. Congrats to them," tweeted PM Modi.

https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1709420474823049535

Jyothi-Ojas defeated the South Korean pair in a close encounter by one point 159-158.

This is the first gold for Archery in the ongoing Asian Games.

With this medal, India has improved its previous best in Jakarta 2018 (70). India now has 71 medals with 16 golds, 26 silver and 29 bronze medals.

(With inputs from agencies)