New Delhi: Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has expressed confidence that India is poised to shine at this year’s Asian Games in China, slated for September-October. Thakur commended Indian athletes for their recent outstanding performances on the international stage, indicating a promising future for the country’s sporting landscape.
The minister’s optimism stems from the remarkable achievements witnessed in the realm of sports during the month of August. India’s prowess was prominently displayed in chess, badminton, and athletics, where Indian players showcased their mettle against some of the world’s best competitors.
One of the standout moments came in the World Chess Cup Final, where 18-year-old Praggnanandhaa faced off against the world’s top-ranked player, Magnus Carlsen. While Carlsen ultimately triumphed in a tie-breaker, Praggnanandhaa’s performance was hailed as a display of sheer genius. His remarkable showing hints at a promising future for Indian chess on the global stage.
Minister Thakur noted that Indian athletes have been competing without fear or pressure, and he emphasized the unwavering support provided to them by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He acknowledged that under this inspiration, Indian players have been delivering commendable performances and bringing medals home for the nation.
Highlighting India’s recent achievements, Thakur highlighted the historic victory of Neeraj Chopra in the javelin throw at the World Athletics Championships held in Budapest. Chopra secured a gold medal and continued his winning streak by also triumphing in the Diamond Leagues in Doha and Lausanne during the 2023 season. Thakur praised Chopra’s consistent performance, solidifying his position as one of the world’s premier javelin throwers.
In badminton, HS Prannoy’s bronze medal win further underscored India’s rising prominence on the international stage. The minister considered this achievement a significant step towards India’s increasing recognition in the field of sports.
Additionally, India’s men’s 4x400m relay team made headlines by breaking the Asian record at the World Athletics Championships. Despite finishing fifth in the final event, their exceptional performance in the heats showcased the immense talent of Indian athletes in track and field events.
Indian athletes also excelled at the World University Games held in Chengdu, China, returning home with an impressive tally of 26 medals, including 11 golds. Minister Thakur emphasised that these accomplishments in August are not isolated victories but reflect a broader trend of India’s growing significance on the global sports stage.
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