"More Medals to Come": Brij Bhushan Confident in India's Asian Games Target
Former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh believes India is on track to meet its Asian Games targets as wrestling and cricket medals remain in sight.
Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has expressed strong confidence in India's ongoing performance at the Asian Games. He believes the nation is well on its way to achieving its predefined medal targets, noting that several more victories, particularly in wrestling, are still on the horizon.
"More medals are yet to come, medals from wrestling as well. India is on track to meet its target," Singh told ANI. He added that while nations across the globe are competing fiercely for success, India is steadily progressing toward its goals.
Historic Archery Breakthrough
The momentum for the Indian contingent has been bolstered by extraordinary performances in archery. Seventeen-year-old Kumkum Mohod etched her name into history by securing gold in the women's individual recurve event. In a high-tension final, Mohod defeated South Korea's Oh Yejin in a dramatic shoot-off after the match ended in a 5-5 tie.
This achievement marks Mohod as the first Indian woman to win an individual recurve medal at the Asian Games. Her success follows a remarkable run where she also helped secure India's first-ever Asian Games gold in the women's recurve team event alongside Ankita Bhakat and Kirti Sharma, while also clinching a silver in the mixed recurve team event with Dhiraj Bommadevara.
A Dominant Run Across Disciplines
India entered the final stages of the Games with significant momentum, following a massive six-gold haul on Friday. As of the latest standings, the country has amassed 76 medals, comprising 16 gold, 25 silver, and 35 bronze, placing them fifth in the overall medal tally.
Key highlights of the campaign so far include:
- Women's Hockey: A historic 1-0 victory over defending champions China secured India's first Asian Games gold in the sport since 1982 and guaranteed direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
- Boxing: India's boxing dominance saw gold medals from Lovlina Borgohain, Parveen Hooda, and Ankush Panghal, while Priya Ghanghas, Kapil Pokhariya, and Narender Berwal added bronze to the tally.
- Wrestling: Sujeet Kalkal delivered a stunning comeback in the men's 65kg freestyle category, overturning a 2-9 deficit against Tajikistan's Abdulmazhid Kudiev to win 10-9.
The Final Push for Gold
As the Games enter their penultimate stages, several high-stakes battles await the Indian contingent. The wrestling squad remains a major focus, with Sagar Jaglan, Aman Sehrawat, Deepak Punia, Antim Panghal, and Manisha Bhanwala all set to compete for more hardware.
In the team events, eyes are on the men's cricket team as they prepare for a high-octane final against arch-rivals Pakistan. Simultaneously, the men's hockey team will face Malaysia in their quest for gold. In archery, Dhiraj Bommadevara and Neeraj Chauhan will also be looking to add individual medals to India's growing collection.