India will be sending its strongest-ever contingent of 303 athlete to Asian Para Games. Here are some of the medal hopefuls to watch out for
The fourth edition of the Asian Para Games is set to kickstart and the Indian para athletes contingent is eyeing its best-ever medal tally, a feat achieved at the Asian Games. With 303 Indian athletes to set sail to Hangzhou, here are the top five names that could well clinch a medal or two at the Games: (More Sports News | ODI World Cup)
Bhavinaben Patel (Para Table Tennis)
India's Bhavinaben Patel had a great outing at the Paralympics and Commonwealth Games and is all set to repeat the heroics at the Asian Para Games. She clinched a silver at the Tokyo Paralympics and became the first-ever Indian paddle to clinch a medal at the Paralympics. Moreover, she also went on to claim a gold at the Commonwealth Games lasy year. Bhavinaben won silver in the last Para Asian Games and would look convert it into a gold this time around.
Avani Lekhara (Para Shooting)
Indian para shooter Avani Lekhara will be playing in her inaugural Para Asian Games. More is expected from her after her silver medal win at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo. The 21-year-old also won a bronze and thus became the first Indian woman to win multiple medals at the Paralympics. Her gold medal feat came in the 10m air rifle event and the bronze was won in the 50m Rifle 3 positions. Her dual-gold medal feat at the Para Shooting World Cup in 2022, makes her even more competitive at the Games.
Pramod Bhagat (Para Badminton)
India's Pramod Bhagat is currently the world number 2 in the Para Badminton and is also the gold medal holder from the last Para Asian Games. Pramod will also partner Sukant Kadam in the Doubles category where they are ranked no 1. The Indian pair recently won a gold medal at the Four-nation Para Badminton event and with the Para Asian Games ahead, expect these two to go full-throttle and clinch a medal for the country.
Sumit Antil (Para Athletics)
Javelin Thrower Sumit Antil won the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and will be one of the leading contenders at the Para Asian Games 2023. Antil holds the world record of 70.83m throw in men's para javelin in the F64 category. With such feat on his side, the Harayana-born javelin thrower would be an overwhelming favourite come Asian Para Games.