As the sporting world eagerly awaits the next edition of the Asian Games, Indian sports enthusiasts are brimming with optimism. Over the years, India has made significant strides in various disciplines at the Asian Games, and the nation continues to produce world-class athletes. While traditional sports like cricket and field hockey have always been the center of attention, there’s a growing trend of emerging sports where India has a real chance of winning its first-ever medals at the Asian Games.
Athletics is poised to maintain its status as India’s most successful sport at the 2023 Asian Games. Shooting, on the other hand, is anticipated to outperform Boxing and Wrestling, securing a second-place position in India’s list of most successful sports at the event.
Let’s explore some of these emerging sports with strong medal prospects for India:
| Sport | Rank | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| Athletics | 3 | 79 | 88 | 87 | 254 |
| Wrestling | 7 | 11 | 14 | 34 | 59 |
| Shooting | 8 | 9 | 21 | 28 | 58 |
| Boxing | 8 | 9 | 16 | 32 | 57 |
| Tennis | 5 | 9 | 6 | 17 | 32 |
| Kabaddi | 1 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 11 |
| Cue Sports | 3 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 15 |
| Hockey | 3 | 4 | 11 | 6 | 21 |
| Equestrian | 4 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 12 |
| Golf | 5 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| Board Games | 2 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 7 |
| Rowing | 5 | 2 | 5 | 16 | 23 |
| Diving | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
| Football | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Sailing | 10 | 1 | 7 | 12 | 20 |
| Archery | 5 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 10 |
| Squash | 4 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 13 |
| Swimming | 13 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 9 |
| Water Polo | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Weightlifting | 17 | 0 | 5 | 9 | 14 |
| Badminton | 9 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 10 |
| Wushu | 15 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 9 |
| Cycling | 16 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Volleyball | 5 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Kurash | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Judo | 14 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Roller Sports | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Table Tennis | 11 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Canoeing | 12 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Gymnastics | 13 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Taekwondo | 24 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Sepaktakraw | 11 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 5 | 155 | 201 | 316 | 672 |
1. Badminton:
India has witnessed a Badminton revolution in the last decade. Players like P.V. Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and Kidambi Srikanth have consistently performed at the highest level on the international stage. Sindhu’s Olympic silver medal in 2016 and gold in 2021 have raised hopes for a stellar performance at the Asian Games. India’s badminton contingent has the potential to dominate the sport and bring home multiple medals.
2. Table Tennis:
Indian table tennis players have been making significant strides on the global stage. Manika Batra’s sensational performance at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and Sharath Kamal’s consistent presence in the world’s top 30 players highlight India’s growing prowess in this sport. With the right training and support, Indian paddlers could secure their first-ever Asian Games medals.
3. Wrestling:
While wrestling is not exactly an emerging sport in India, it has been overshadowed by cricket and other sports for a long time. However, in recent years, Indian wrestlers like Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Ravi Kumar have emerged as world-class contenders. With their exceptional skills and determination, they are strong contenders for medals in the upcoming Asian Games.
4. Archery:
Archery has been a traditional sport in India, but it’s gradually gaining prominence in the international arena. Deepika Kumari, Atanu Das, and other talented archers have showcased their skills on the global stage. A focused and well-prepared Indian archery team could certainly aim for medals at the Asian Games.
5. Squash:
Squash is another sport where India has been making steady progress. Players like Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa have consistently performed well in international tournaments. The Asian Games provide an excellent platform for these athletes to prove their mettle and bring home medals.
6. Sepak Takraw:
Sepak takraw, a sport with elements of soccer and volleyball, is gaining popularity in India. The country has been participating in international competitions and showing potential. With more investment in infrastructure and training, India could become a formidable force in this unique sport.
7. Equestrian:
Equestrian sports have not received as much attention in India as some others. However, there’s a growing interest in horse riding and show jumping. With the right resources and support, Indian equestrians could aim for medals in the Asian Games.
8. Canoeing and Kayaking:
Water sports like canoeing and kayaking have been relatively unexplored in India. However, the nation’s vast water resources and increasing interest in adventure sports make these disciplines worth considering. With proper training facilities and coaching, India could surprise the world in these events.
9. Fencing:
Fencing is an underrated sport in India, but it offers a unique opportunity for success. Indian fencers have the potential to perform well at the Asian Games with the right guidance and exposure.
10. Skateboarding:
Skateboarding made its debut as an Olympic sport in Tokyo 2020, and it’s gaining popularity among the youth in India. With the right infrastructure and coaching, Indian skateboarders could aim for medals at the Asian Games, especially in the street and park disciplines.
In conclusion, India’s sports landscape is evolving, and emerging sports offer new avenues for success at the Asian Games. While traditional sports will always hold a special place in the hearts of Indian fans, it’s essential to recognize the potential of these lesser-known disciplines. With the right investments in infrastructure, coaching, and athlete development, India can make its mark in these sports and bring home a new set of medals in the upcoming Asian Games. The nation’s rising athletes are ready to take on the challenge and shine on the international stage.
