Athletics has to be one of the most visually appealing sports at multi-nation events, where there is a certain adrenaline rush not just for the players, but the crowd as well. With the track & field events getting underway on Friday, all eyes will be on India, as the country is one of the best, if not the best, in the discipline. While India’s gold medal tally is expected to surge, there is a high chance that we can better the existing Asian Games Records.
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Neeraj Chopra (Men’s Javelin)
The reigning Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra had to be the first name on the list, without any doubt. He has won every prize in the world already, and a repeat of all will only be fitting to his consistency. Aiming for the gold, he would be looking to cross the 90m barrier, which has been due for some time now. If he manages to do that, not only will he break the national record again, but will also shatter the Asian Games record set at 89.15m achieved by China’s Zhao Qinggang in 2014.
Avinash Sable (3000m Steeplechase)
The CWG 2022 medalist, Avinash Sable has had a quiet season till now and would like to change that. His national record of 8:11.20s is way ahead of the Games record at 8:22.79s, set by Iran’s Hossein Keyhani. This record is in big danger, as Sable will be running alongside the Qatari, Japanese, and Bahrani athletes. If he gets decent competition, he might just be able to better his national record as well.
Tajinderpal Singh Toor (Men’s Shotput)
Coming out of a groin injury, Tajinderpal Singh Toor is the national record, Asian record, and the Games record holder. His personal best is 21.77m, which he set this year, while the Games record stands at 20.75m. If he surpasses the former, he will rewrite the history books once again.
Harmilan Bains (Women’s 1500m)
Way back in 2002, Sunita Rani from India had created a Games record with a timing of 4:06.03s. Since then no athlete has come close to breaking that mark. But Harmilan Bains can better this record held by an Indian, as her personal best stands at 4:05.39s.
Jyothi Yarraji (Women’s 100m Hurdles)
Without any doubt, Jyothi Yarraji has been India’s most improved athlete, across categories, in the last year. She has a best time of 12.78s, the second fastest in Asia. This also happens to be her personal best. While the Games record is held by Kazakhstan’s Olga Shishigina at 12.63s, a little bit of a push can see Yarraji break the record.
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Vithya Ramraj (Women’s 400m Hurdles)
An event that legendary PT Usha owns, Vithya Ramraj rose to fame a few days back, earlier this month, when she came close to breaking the former’s national record of 55.42s. Right now, the Games record is held by Kemi Adekoya of Bahrain at 55.09s and could be in danger, if Vithya rises to the occasion. Facing some of the top in Asia, the Indian is expected to better her timing.
Editors pick
