Asian Games: India’s Likely Performance

Continuing our sport-by-sport preview of India’s Asian Games prospects, Part 2 covers several disciplines where India carries genuine medal hopes alongside a few emerging sports searching for breakthrough performances.

Archery (16 Athletes)

Archery could be one of India’s strongest medal contributors in this edition. After a dominant performance in compound archery at the recent World Championships, expectations are high. Archery remains a volatile sport where small margins decide outcomes, but India enters as a major force in compound events.

The women’s compound team and individual events, along with the mixed event, present India’s best gold opportunities. There are also strong medal chances in the men’s compound category. Recurve archery is tougher, with realistic medal hopes mainly in the team events.

Likely Gold: 2–5 | Likely Medals: 5–7

Boxing (13 Athletes)

Boxing promises to be another standout sport for India. The women’s squad, fresh from a World Championship triumph, looks exceptionally strong. Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain headline gold hopes, while Arundhati, Parveen, and Preeti have the potential to surprise with deep runs.

In men’s boxing, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan remain dominant forces. While gold medals will be difficult, several Indian boxers are capable of reaching the podium depending on tournament draws.

This could well become India’s best-ever Asian Games boxing performance.

Likely Gold: 2–4 | Likely Medals: 5–10

Canoeing (17 Athletes)

India has yet to win an Asian Games medal in canoeing, but signs of progress are emerging. A breakthrough medal in sprint events is possible if performances align perfectly, though expectations remain cautious.

Likely Gold: 0 | Likely Medals: 0–1

Cricket (30 Athletes)

Cricket returns to the Asian Games spotlight with India as strong favorites. The women’s team enters as clear gold contenders, while the men’s squad — even if not first-choice — remains highly competitive.

Likely Gold: 1–2 | Likely Medals: 2

Cycling (13 Athletes)

Cycling has historically yielded no Asian Games medals for India, but a promising young squad has shown encouraging results on the international youth circuit. Riders like Esow Alben and Ronaldo Singh could challenge in sprint and keirin events.

Likely Gold: 0 | Likely Medals: 0–2

Equestrian (10 Athletes)

India’s breakthrough double silver in 2018, led by Fouaad Mirza, raised expectations. With Mirza absent this time, medal hopes are slimmer, though a surprise podium finish cannot be ruled out.

Likely Gold: 0 | Likely Medals: 0–1

Fencing (9 Athletes)

Fencing represents a potential breakthrough opportunity. Bhavani Devi’s progress in international sabre competitions offers hope that India may finally secure its first Asian Games fencing medal.

Likely Gold: 0 | Likely Medals: 0–1