On the 12th day of the 2023 Asian Games in India, there were both triumphs and disappointments. India won gold in archery and squash but experienced unexpected losses in badminton and hockey. Throughout the day, people in the country watched with anticipation, cheering for the victories and commiserating with the defeats.
Archery's Golden Moments
India has achieved an impressive victory in the archery arena by winning gold medals in both the compound men's and women's team finals. Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Aditi Gopichand Swami, and Parneet Kaur displayed exceptional skill during their intense competition against Chinese Taipei. The women's team triumphed with a 230-229 score, showcasing their outstanding precision. The men's team continued the winning streak, making it a memorable day for Indian archery.
Badminton's Bittersweet Day
PV Sindhu's exit in the singles came as a surprise to many. However, the duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty lifted spirits by reaching the doubles semi-finals, ensuring at least a bronze, marking a pivotal moment in the competition. HS Prannoy added to India's pride by winning his quarter-final clash, guaranteeing a medal. Sindhu's loss to China's He Bingjiao underscored the intensity and competitiveness of the games.
Wrestling's Mixed Bag
The wrestling mat witnessed contrasting outcomes. Antim Panghal clinched bronze after defeating Tokyo Olympics medallist Bolortuya Bat-Ochir. However, the journey ended for some, like Pooja Gehlot, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the sport. Mansi, too, faced a setback against Uzbekistan’s Laylokhon Sobirova, missing out on a bronze medal. The challenges witnessed showcased the sheer calibre of competition in Asian wrestling.
Squash's Distinguished Achievements
Dipika Pallikal and Harinder Pal Singh made the nation proud by clinching a gold medal in the mixed doubles event. Not to be outdone, Saurav Ghosal showcased his expertise and determination, securing a silver medal in the men's singles squash. These significant accomplishments at the Asian Games 2023 bear witness to India's rising prominence and prowess in the world of squash.
Newer Sports Shine
The Asian Games saw India making strides in emerging sports. Climbers kicked off their campaigns impressively in bouldering and lead events, while Indian kayakers and canoeists smoothly paddled their way into the semi-finals. Vishal Kewat notably progressed to the men's canoe semi-finals, and Shikha Chouhan advanced to the women's kayak semis, echoing the potential and growth of these sports in India.
Hockey and Kabaddi Updates
The women's hockey team suffered a loss to China and will now compete for the bronze medal. On the other hand, the men's kabaddi team has garnered excitement by advancing to the semi-finals where they will face off against their arch-rivals, Pakistan. This highly anticipated match promises to be a gripping contest due to the longstanding rivalry between the teams. Although the women's hockey team's performance did not result in a chance for gold, it still provides hope for a podium finish.
Chess and Other Highlights
India's chess teams had their moments with the men's team outplaying Vietnam. Meanwhile, the women’s team squared off against Kazakhstan in a draw, displaying tactical prowess and strategic gameplay. Arjun Erigaisi stood out as the sole winner in the men's clash against Vietnam. The chess encounters, unfolding over intense hours, highlighted the mental stamina and strategic depths of the players.
Marathon Run and Roller Skating
Man Singh from India achieved a remarkable eighth position in the men's marathon, showcasing his endurance and determination. Appachangada Bo Belliappa also did well, finishing 13th. Over in roller skating, Charles and Shreyasi faced challenges during their preliminary runs, finishing in 12th and 13th place respectively. It's great to see India branching out into diverse sporting arenas.
Sepaktakraw and Soft Tennis Surprises
In Sepaktakraw, India's men's team faced a setback against Thailand, while the women's team rallied to secure a win against China. Soft Tennis saw mixed results with India suffering defeat against Chinese Taipei in mixed doubles. Despite the losses, the spirit and determination exhibited by the athletes in these relatively less popular sports in India was heartening to witness.
Conclusion
On the twelfth day of the Asian Games 2023, the excitement of sports was on full display with its unpredictable nature, the exhilaration of winning, and the heartbreak of losing. India's impressive medal count of 86 showcased the country's wide-ranging athletic abilities and the unwavering perseverance of its competitors.
