India hopes to translate a strong showing at the Commonwealth Games into a rich haul at the Asian Games, but officials have warned against getting carried away by the success in New Delhi.
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 Saina Nehwal of India plays Wong Mew Choo of Malaysia in the women's singles badminton final at the XIX Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on Oct 14, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]? |
India's athletes surprised even their most ardent supporters by returning with 38 gold medals at October's Commonwealth Games, far behind Australia's tally of 74, but good enough to relegate England (37) to third place.
It was India's best-ever placing, with 27 silver and 36 bronze medals taking them past the 100-medal mark, including first-ever golds in women's track and field and archery.
India finished eighth in the medal tally at the previous Asian Games in Doha four years ago with its best-ever haul of 53 medals, including 10 gold.
The absence of top stars has made India's task a lot tougher in Guangzhou.
Sushil Kumar, the world's top wrestler in the 66kg category, has withdrawn due to a shoulder injury after winning gold medals at the Asian and World Championships and the Commonwealth Games this year.
Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi will not defend their tennis doubles gold in China as they prepare for the season-ending world doubles championships in London with their respective partners.
India's absence will be felt the most in cricket, which makes its debut at the Asian Games in the popular Twenty20 format.
The Indian cricket board declined to send either the men's or women's teams to Guangzhou, saying they were busy with domestic tournaments and international commitments.
India's gold medal hopes in Guangzhou lie with Olympic shooting champion Abhinav Bindra and fellow rifle shooter Gagan Narang, who won four titles at the Commonwealth Games.
Chess, billiards and kabaddi are expected to add to the country's tally, as will world No 2 badminton star Saina Nehwal and the women's 4x400m relay squad, which won gold in Doha.
Students take charge of sports presentation at Asian Games
