The gold rush continued for India at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, as Indian athletes delivered a stellar performance on Day 13, clinching five gold medals-one in wrestling, three in boxing and one in archery-in a spectacular display of skill, determination and sporting excellence.
Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal scripted a remarkable comeback to win the gold medal in the men’s 65-kilogram freestyle event. The 23-year-old Indian produced a stunning fightback in the final, recovering from a 4-9 deficit to defeat Tajikistan’s Abdulmazhid Kudiev 10-9 and clinch the Asian Games title.
With this victory, Sujeet has joined the elite company of Yogeshwar Dutt and Bajrang Punia, becoming the third Indian wrestler to win Asian Games gold in the men’s 65-kilogram category.
In Boxing, Parveen Hooda won the gold medal in the women’s 65kg category, defeating Chinese Taipei’s Nien-Chin Chen 3-2 in a split decision in the final. Ankush Panghal clinched the gold medal in the men’s 80-kilogram category, defeating South Korea’s Kim Minseong by a split decision, 4-0, in the final.
Earlier, Lovlina Borgohain also clinched a gold medal in the women’s 75kg category, defeating China’s Bao Ziyi by a unanimous 5-0 decision in the final. It is India’s second gold medal in women’s boxing at the Asian Games, following Mary Kom’s gold in 2014.
In archery, India’s women’s recurve team created history by clinching its maiden Asian Games gold medal. The trio of Ankita Bhakat, Kirti Sharma and Kumkum Mohod defeated world champions South Korea 5-3 in a thrilling final.
India also bagged silver in the mixed recurve team event. Kumkum Mohod and Dhiraj Bommadevara finished runners-up after going down 3-5 to China in a closely contested final.
In Sepaktakraw, India secured the bronze medal in the men’s quadrant event. The Indian team lost 0-2 to Japan in the semi-final but earned a place on the podium.
In sailing, Nethra Kumanan clinched bronze in the women’s dinghy event. The 29-year-old Indian sailor finished third with an overall score of 14 points.
With these impressive performances, India has climbed to fifth position in the overall medal standings. The country’s medal tally has risen to 75, including 15 gold, 25 silver and 35 bronze medals.
