Why in News?
The 19th Asian Games, which were held in 2023 despite being called the 2022 games, concluded at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, also known as Big Lotus, in China. Indian hockey player PR Sreejesh proudly carried India’s flag during the athletes’ parade.
- Japan will host the 20th Asian Games in 2027.
What are the Asian Games ?
About
– Biggest sports competition in Asia, held once every four years.
– Regulated By Olympic Council of Asia.
Background
– The first-ever Asian Games were held in New Delhi in 1951
– The 9th Asian Games were also held in New Delhi in 1982
Current Edition
-The 19th Asian Games, 2022 (delayed by a year due to Covid-19)
Location: Hangzhou, the People’s Republic of China,
Mascot: Congcong, Lianlian and Chenchen (Three sporty robots)
Participants: 45 Nations, 40 sports
Introduction of New Sports: e-Sports and Breakdancing
– Upcoming Edition: Japan (2027), Qatar (2030), Saudi Arabia (2034)
Key Highlights of Asian Games 2023
India’s Milestones
India’s Medals Tally:– India achieved a record-breaking performance at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, securing 107 medals, including 28 golds, 38 silvers, and 41 bronzes. This surpassed their previous achievement of 70 medals, including 16 golds, at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. It marked the first time India’s medal tally exceeded 100 in Asian Games history, joining China, Japan, and South Korea in the elite club of nations with 100+ medals in a single edition.
Athletes Performance:- Athletics dominated, yielding 29 medals for India at the 2023 Asian Games, comprising six gold, 14 silver, and nine bronze.
Hockey:- India’s men’s hockey team secured an Asian Games gold and qualified for the Paris Olympics by defeating Japan 5-1 in an impressive performance.
Medal Standings
The 19th Asian Games Hangzhou
| Rank | Team / NOC | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | People’s Replublic of China | 201 | 111 | 71 | 383 |
| 2 | Japan | 52 | 67 | 69 | 188 |
| 3 | Republic of Korea | 42 | 59 | 89 | 190 |
| 4 | India | 28 | 38 | 41 | 107 |
| 5 | Uzbekistan | 22 | 18 | 31 | 71 |
| 6 | Chinese Taipei | 19 | 20 | 28 | 67 |
| 7 | Islamic Republic of Iran | 13 | 21 | 20 | 54 |
| 8 | Thailand | 12 | 14 | 32 | 58 |
| 9 | Bahrain | 12 | 3 | 5 | 20 |
| 10 | Democratic People’s Repulic of Korea | 11 | 18 | 10 | 39 |
| 11 | Kazakhstan | 10 | 22 | 48 | 80 |
| 12 | Hong Kong, China | 8 | 16 | 29 | 53 |
Must Read: A long view of the South Asian Drama
