-Arnav Kaul
What Are the Asian Games?
The Asian Games are the smaller, yet equally competitive version of the Olympics. Starting in 1951, New Delhi, the Asian Games got off to a great start with 11 countries participating, and Japan winning the most medals. Japan continued this dominance until 1982, when China began its still continuing reign over the Games.
Hangzhou Games 2022
“Ever Onward”, the motto of the Asian Games, cannot better emulate the sweat, adrenaline, tension, and more that the players have gone through during the many challenging rounds of the Games. The latest edition of the Asian Games, Hangzhou brings sports from basketball to trap shooting all to one event at one place. The event is the 19th edition of the sporting games, and has already seen over 600 medals awarded. One might think, why 2022? This year’s mishap is for the same reason the Olympics happened in 2021, COVID-19.
This year, the Asian Games were dominated by our neighbours. China completely obliterated the competition in nearly all sports, in a dominant and composed fashion that saw them winning over 200 gold medals.
India At Hangzhou
Despite India’s previous failed endeavours, the 2022 Games has brought back the life of Indian athletes, with the nation sitting 4th on the table, but first in the hearts of many. Winning 7 gold medals in shooting was no small feat, and neither were India’s many Top 3 finishes on track. Indian athletes also showed great resilience in the men’s badminton team final against the reigning champions China. Even with some setbacks, India finished with 28 gold medals, its greatest tally in the Games’ history.
Lost in Transgender. Is it fair?
“I have lost my Asian Games bronze medal to a transgender woman. I want my medal back as it is against the rules of our Athletics. Support me please.”
This was the statement dropped by Indian athlete Swapna Barman, former heptathlon champion at the Asian Games. In this, she accused a fellow Indian athlete, Nandini Agasara, claiming her to be “transgender”, and saying that winning medals on these grounds has to be disallowed. This turmoil is just another nail in the coffin for the same issue, where many sports see female athletes raising the concern over transgender (formerly biological males) women getting to play the same sport, and dominating with ease.
Swapna called out Nandini by saying she skipped trials to keep her transgender secret as it was. Looking away from the claims, this puts large dents in the Indian athletic camp, because if two of the athletes competing together itself is not enough to foster companionship, what more can the coaches do to do so?
Speed isn’t Everything
It is said that the measure of an athlete, a player, comes from their ability in their strata of sport. However, the real mark of such a person, something that sets him/her apart from the amateurs, is his or her willpower. That willpower is the same strength that propels people of that nature over the line even in their most painful moments. That was, in turn, the willpower we saw from one of India’s track and field athletes.
Another special story from India, Jyoti Yarraji’s silver medal did not come in the straight race – the 100m hurdles. It was, in fact, a question of a lot more from the athlete. When the gun was fired, it was found that both Jyoti and her Chinese counterpart, Yanni Wu had jumped the gun. Protesting against this, Jyoti said that it was in fact only Wu who had jumped the start, but regardless, the officials let them both race.
This is where the nerves of a player are truly tested. Put yourself in Jyoti Yarraji’s shoes. You have narrowly avoided disqualification, and even a tiny slip could lead to the proper disqualification. Just imagine, working so hard for the event, only to start early and have your efforts wasted. Those were the thoughts Jyoti battled to finish 3rd.
Fortune favours the brave, and this time it truly did. Had Jyoti not argued over the false start, her DSQ was certain. Since she did, and the officials took the start into review, it was found that Jyoti was not guilty, only Wu was. Due to this, Jyoti’s bronze was upgraded to a silver. This determination and hunger to win defines athletes, and it was shown perfectly by Jyoti Yarraji.
NEERAJ Shines again
If surpassing 100 medals at the Games wasn’t a milestone enough for India, our athletes capped the final week of the Games off in grandiose style. On the 4th of October, India’s golden boy, Neeraj Chopra, struck yet again, bringing smiles and tears to the faces of millions watching. However, it was not Neeraj alone, as another’s story deserves to be told. Kishore Jena, a previously unheard-of javelin athlete had previously only had a best of 84 m, bettered it twice during the final throws, and was even leading Neeraj until his winning throw of 88 metres. Together, the pair soared past their competition, and secured a gold and silver for India.
BIGGEST WINNERS……..
- India: Ending the Games with over 30 medals more than last time is perhaps a greater feat than imagined. India was unparalleled in sports such as badminton, hockey, cricket and javelin. The foundations are now in place for an incredibly strong side for the Olympics.
- China: There were almost no nerves from the host nation, as their athletes smashed all competition in any possible event. China’s importance towards sports and overall resilience in their culture was at an all-time high throughout the competition. The feats they pulled off are nothing short of a warning to other nations.
- People’s Republic of Korea: A country only known for its extreme views, popular leader, and excluded population, it is hard to believe that nation clinched 39 medals, with 11 golds. The performances put up by their athletes, and training given by coaches are commendable to the highest degree.
FINAL MEDALS TALLY
| Country Name | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| China | 201 | 111 | 71 | 383 |
| Japan | 52 | 67 | 69 | 188 |
| Korea | 42 | 59 | 89 | 190 |
| India | 28 | 38 | 41 | 107 |
| Uzbekistan | 22 | 18 | 31 | 71 |
| Taiwan | 19 | 20 | 28 | 67 |
The Echo 