Top 10 interesting facts from Asian Games 2023

Jaggi Shivadasani was the eldest from India to win a medal at the continental showpiece.

The Asian Games 2023 concluded on October 8th, 2023. This 16-day event showcased numerous memorable moments for all participating nations.

Indian contingent also had their best days on the world stage. With a total of 107 medals, India recorded its highest-ever medal haul at the Asian Games. Here are the 10 interesting facts that every Indian will surely remember for a long time.

1. Age gap between youngest and oldest Indian medal winners

At the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, two exceptional athletes, each with a significant age gap, exemplified this sporting truth. Anahat Singh, a prodigious 15-year-old squash sensation, and Jaggy Shivdasani, a seasoned 65-year-old bridge expert, perfectly embodied the synergy of skill and fitness. Anahat Singh's outstanding performance resulted in a bronze medal in squash, where she excelled in both the women's team and mixed doubles events.

In contrast, Jaggy Shivdasani's mastery of Bridge earned him a silver medal in the men's team event, showcasing his wealth of experience and unwavering passion for the sport. Astonishingly, these two remarkable athletes represent a striking age gap of 50 years.

2. Kishore Kumar Jena records personal best mark twice

Kishore Kumar Jena's remarkable journey to the silver medal in the Men's Javelin Throw at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games was punctuated by outstanding achievements. Kishore Jena had previously achieved a personal best throw of 84.77m at the Budapest World Championship in 2023, setting a high standard for himself.

However, he surpassed even his own expectations during the Asian Games. In his third attempt, he unleashed a remarkable throw that covered a distance of 86.77m, displaying his exceptional prowess in the event. Impressively, he once again raised the bar by surpassing his own performance, achieving an incredible throw that covered 87.77m. This exceptional feat secured him the well-deserved silver medal, marking a significant moment in his athletic career.

3. Robots used to carry Discus and Javelin equipments

The intersection of technology and China has been a topic of great interest and discussion for some time. The 2023 Asian Games provided yet another example of this fascinating fusion. China left a significant mark by introducing a "Robot Dog" to assist in the transportation of discus and javelin to the athletes on the field, showcasing their innovative approach to enhancing the sporting experience.

4. Harmilan Bains scripts family history

Indian athlete Harmilan Bains secured two silver medals at the Asian Games 2023, one in the women's 1500m race and the other in the women's 800m race.

What adds to the intrigue is that Harmilan's parents have also represented India in international competitions, achieving significant success for the country. Her mother, Madhuri Saxena, clinched a silver medal at the 2002 Asian Games, while her father, Amandeep Bains, achieved a silver medal in the 1500m event at the South Asian Games. This remarkable family history in athletics highlights their enduring legacy and passion for the sport.

5. Jyothi Yarraji dedicates medal to late friend and mentor

Jyothi Yarraji clinched a silver medal in the women's 100m hurdles event at the quadrennial extravaganza. Though the event was filled with controversies, Jyothi claimed the second position.

On the podium, she held a paper that stated “Gautham, this is for you. We miss you.” Sai Gautham, a national-level hurdler, holds a distinctive position in Jyothi's heart. He was the individual who recognized her talent, aided her in securing admission to a sports hostel in Hyderabad, and supported her during her formative years before she rose to prominence. It was Sai Gautham who generously presented Jyothi with her first pair of Nike shoes.

6. Neeraj Chopra clinches gold with final throw

In the world of sports, it's nearly impossible to discuss the field of athletics without mentioning the name of Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic Gold medalist in the Javelin throw, who consistently remains a favorite topic of discussion among fans.

Kishore Jena held the top position on the chart until the final throw by Neeraj Chopra. Those familiar with this sport understand that the last throw rarely results in the best performance in the event.

However, Neeraj Chopra defied the odds to secure the top position. He achieved what many would deem impossible, not only producing a remarkable throw of 88.88m but also reaching his largest throw of the season, ultimately earning a well-deserved gold medal. This impressive feat cements his status as an athletic sensation and a symbol of excellence in javelin throwing.

7. Debut medals in e-sports and breakdancing

The return of cricket and chess to the Asian Games 2023 brought along medals in two additional sports. E-sports and breakdancing made their debut at this grand event.

In the coming years, these sports are poised to attract a growing number of participants from all corners of the globe, solidifying their status as significant events deserving of recognition and medals.

8. Yashasvi Jaiswal becomes first Indian to score century in Asian Games

Cricket was a major attraction for Indian fans at the Asian Games 2023. India clinched the gold medal by defeating Afghanistan in a rain-interrupted final.

The stand-out performer of the Indian team was Yashasvi Jaiswal who scored a 48-ball century in the quarter-final game against Nepal. With the century Jaiswal became the first Indian batsman to achieve this feat at the Asian Games.

9. Deepak Punia faces his idol in final

Whether it's sports or any other field, each of us has an idol whom we admire and seek inspiration from to thrive in the future. How about facing the same person in the final of an event?

Indian wrestler Deepak Punia had such a day when he faced his idol Hasan Yazdani of Iran in the final of the Men’s freestyle 86kg event. Although Deepak tried his best to be at his best but lost the bout and settled for a silver medal.

10. Women - India's lucky charm

In India, women are not merely regarded as other members of the family. Instead, they are often considered a symbol of divinity in various regions of the country.

The Indian contingent also achieved a remarkable feat at the Asian Games 2023, securing the highest number of medals in a single edition, which totaled 107 medals. Looking back, we can highlight an amazing instance where women played a significant role in this achievement.

The campaign began with a silver medal in the Women's 10m air rifle team event and concluded with another silver medal earned by the women's Chess team. Remarkably, the 100th medal was clinched by the women's kabaddi team which won the gold medal.