Asian Games 2023: Record 100 medals confirmed for India contingent

India's medal count is the highest ever this Asian Games.

In the Asian Games 2023 held in Hangzhou, China, a team of 655 Indian athletes is participating. This 19th edition of the continental multisport event commenced on September 23 and is scheduled to end on October 8.

In the previous edition in Jakarta in 2018, India brought a 570-member squad and achieved its highest-ever medal count at the Asian Games, securing a total of 70 medals: 16 gold, 23 silver and 31 bronze. In Hangzhou, India surpassed this record and set a new milestone in its performance at the continental event.

The Asian Games campaign for India began with the ambitious target of 100 medals. With just two days of events left, they have already exceeded their previous record of from the 2018 Asian Games and are on the brink of reaching 100.

As of today, India has earned a total of 95 medals at the 2023 Asian Games including 22 gold, 34 silver and 39 bronze. Based on the schedule, it's highly likely they'll hit the set milestone. Here is a list of events where medals are assured, with the final rounds yet to be contested which confirms that 100 medals is a reality that will be lived.

Kabaddi

There are two opportunities for medals in kabaddi with both the Indian men's and women's teams advancing to the semifinals. Since there are no bronze medal playoffs in Kabaddi, both teams are assured of winning a medal.

Compound Archery

Three medals will be our takeaway in this event as Abhishek Verma will go up against Ojas Pravin Deotale in the men's individual event final ensuring that India secures both the gold and silver medals. Additionally, Jyothi Surekha Vennam has secured her spot in the women's individual final which also guarantees either a gold or silver medal.

Bridge

In bridge, the Indian men's team will conclude their final match against Hong Kong guaranteeing a medal finish in the event.

Hockey

In the Men's Hockey event, the Indian men's team is set to compete against Japan aiming to recapture the Asian Games gold medal and secure their qualification for the Olympics.

Badminton

In Badminton, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will compete in the men's doubles semifinal. Nevertheless, they have already secured a bronze medal regardless of the outcome.

Cricket

In Men's Cricket, Ruturaj Gaikwad's team advanced to the final assuring a medal for India in the first edition.

Additionally, there are medal expectations in Wrestling as well as Bajrang Punia, Deepak Punia and Aman Sehrawat commencing their Asian Games campaigns today .

Other potential medal opportunities include Chess in which with three more rounds to play and if they maintain their positions on the leaderboard, India could add two more medals to their tally.

Additionally, Aditi Gopichand Swami will participate in the women's individual event bronze medal match on providing another opportunity for a medal.

In conclusion, what began as a catchy broadcaster's tagline has ignited fervent discussions across the nation: Can they achieve Hundred this time?. With remarkable performances across various sports and a multitude of medal opportunities still on the horizon, India is assertive of realizing this ambitious goal.