History of Asian games
The Asian Games, also known as Asiad is a continental multi-sport event held every fourth year among athletes from all over Asia. The Games were regulated by the Asian Games Federation (AGF) from the first Games in New Delhi, India, until the 1978 Games. Since the 1982 Games, they have been organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The Games are recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and are described as the second largest multi-sport event after the Olympic Games. 45 nations whose NOCs are recognized by the OCA compete at the Asian Games.
Details of Asian Games 2023
Asian Games 2023 will be held in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8 with Indian athletes competing across 39 sports with 655 athletes (328 men and 327 women) which calls for a proud moment for every Indian. The slogan of the team this year is “Aab ki Baar, Sau Paar”. During the Asian Games 2023 opening ceremony, a tribute to China’s cultural heritage will blend seamlessly with a celebration of the nation’s contemporary spirit. The performance will incorporate elements of artificial intelligence and environmentally friendly technology.
Indians’ flag-bearers
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced joint flag-bearers for the forthcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou. Leading the record-breaking 655-strong Indian contingent will be hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and Olympic bronze medallist boxer Lovlina Borgohain.
Harmanpreet Singh, renowned as a top drag-flicker in hockey, ended India’s 41-year Olympic hockey medal drought with a bronze in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Lovlina Borgohain, a Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist in the 69kg category, clinched gold at the World Women’s Boxing Championship in New Delhi in the 75kg category.
India expects historic medal haul
India is expecting a record medal haul at the 19th Asian Games, with a strong contingent of 655 athletes. Key candidates for gold include athletes Neeraj Chopra in men’s javelin, Murali Sreeshankar and Jeswin Aldrin in men’s long jump, women’s 4x400m relay team, boxers Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain, wrestler Bajrang Punia, badminton pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, and the men’s hockey team.
We wish the best to all the athletes participating in the Asian Games! Your dedication, hard work, and passion for your respective sports inspire us all. May you shine brightly on the grand stage, break records, and achieve your personal best. Remember, you’re not just representing your country but uniting a continent through the love of sports. Go for gold and make us proud!