On day 5 of the Asian Games 2023, India has emerged as a powerhouse. From squash to table tennis, golf to wushu, and everything in between, Indian athletes have performed exceptionally well. The remarkable achievements, victories, and notable moments that have defined India’s journey on day 5 of the Asian Games in Hangzhou.
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Squash
The Indian women’s squash team faced a formidable challenge from Malaysia, resulting in a 3-0 victory for the Malaysian side. In an intense showdown, Joshana Chinappa, Tanvi Khanna, and Anahat Singh displayed incredible determination, even though the odds were against them.
Joshana Chinappa put up a valiant fight but ultimately lost to Sivasangari Subramaniam with a score of 11-6, 11-2, 11-8. Tanvi Khanna engaged in an epic five-game battle against Aifa Binti Azman, showcasing her resilience. Anahat Singh’s efforts in the third game were commendable, but Malaysian player Rachel Arnold clinched the final match 14-12, securing Malaysia’s victory.
This defeat marked India’s first in the women’s team squash Pool B, while Malaysia continued their winning streak, triumphing in all five of their group ties.
Table Tennis
In the men’s doubles round of 32, India’s Sharath Kamal and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran exhibited exceptional prowess as they defeated Ser-od Gankhuyag and Manlaijargal Munkh-Ochir of Mongolia with an impressive score of 11-5, 11-3, 11-3.
Additionally, Manush Utpalbhai Patel and Manav Vikash Thakkar triumphed over Maldives’ Moosa Munif Ahmed and Mohamed Shaffan Ismail with a score of 11-8, 9-11, 11-6, 11-2 in the same round. Both Indian pairs advanced to the round of 16, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.
Ace Indian table tennis player Manika Batra displayed absolute dominance in the women’s singles round of 32 match. She triumphed over Nepal’s Nabita Shrestha with an emphatic score of 11-5, 11-4, 11-3, 11-2. Manika Batra’s exceptional performance earned her a spot in the singles pre-quarterfinal.
Sreeja Akula, on the other hand, faced a formidable opponent in Songgyong Pyon from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, experiencing a challenging defeat in the round of 32.
Golf
Aditi Ashok, the Tokyo Olympian, delivered a remarkable performance in the women’s individual golf event, positioning herself at T2 after round 1. She demonstrated her golfing prowess by scoring 67, a remarkable 5 under par. Pranavi Urs and Avani Prashanth also showcased their talent, securing T17 and T21 positions, respectively.
Despite a strong start from Ashok, the Indian women’s golf team currently stands fifth after the first round. The podium positions are currently occupied by China, Japan, and Thailand, promising fierce competition in the rounds to come.
Wushu
Indian wushu athlete Naorem Roshibina Devi secured a silver medal in the women’s 60kg category, adding to India’s medal tally. Although she faced a formidable opponent in China’s Wu Xiaowei, Roshibina Devi’s unwavering spirit earned her a well-deserved silver medal. Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy and Shahrbano Mansouriyan Semiromi of the Islamic Republic of Iran also stood on the podium, claiming bronze medals.
One more 🥈for India 💙
📹 | Roshibina Devi's moment of glory at the #AsianGames 🇮🇳 ✨#SonySportsNetwork #Cheer4India #Hangzhou2022 #IssBaar100Paar #TeamIndia #RoshibinaDevi | @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/k4GTG71uPT
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 28, 2023
Track Cycling
Indian cyclist David Beckham Elkatohchoongo may not have secured a victory in the men’s sprint 1/16 final repechage races, but his determination shines through. Despite the setback, he will continue to compete in the 5th-8th place race, showcasing the true spirit of sportsmanship.
Meanwhile, Niraj Kumar’s journey in the men’s omnium cycling race came to an end.
Shooting
In the men’s 10m air pistol team final, Indian shooters Sarabjot Singh, Arjun Singh Cheema, and Shiva Narwal showcased their exceptional marksmanship. Together, they achieved a combined score of 1734, clinching the first Indian gold medal of the day at the Asian Games 2023. China secured the silver medal, while Vietnam settled for bronze, completing the podium.
Sarabjot Singh and Arjun Singh Cheema also advanced to the individual event final, promising more thrilling moments for Indian shooting.
Swimming
Indian swimmers created waves in the pool, with Tanish George Mathew, Vishal Grewal, Anand AS, and Srihari Nataraj clocking 3:21.22 in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay heats. This remarkable performance not only secured their place in the final but also set a national record.
The women’s 4x200m freestyle relay team also displayed their mettle, making it to the final after finishing eighth in the heats with a time of 8:39.64.
Triumph and Challenges in Other Disciplines
Triyasha Paul, representing India in women’s sprint cycling, advanced to the 1/16 final but faced tough competition against Japan’s Mina Sato. Her journey continues as she prepares for the repechage round.
Indian mixed doubles pairs, including Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Manika Batra, faced challenges in the round of 16. However, they remain determined to make their mark in the singles category matches later in the competition.
India’s Overall Medal Tally in Asian Games 2023
In an impressive show of skill and determination, India’s medal tally at the Asian Games 2023 surged to 22. Indian shooters led the charge with seven medals, including two gold, three silver, and two bronze. Sailor Vishnu Saravanan also contributed to the medal tally, securing a bronze.
As the games continue to unfold, India currently ranks as the fifth-best nation at Hangzhou, with an impressive haul of 6 gold, 8 silver, and 10 bronze medals.
