Asian Games 2023: In a historic feat, the Indian contingent at Hongzhou, China has won its 100 medals for the first time ever in the Asian Games. Indian women's team clinched the 100th medal for the country by defeating Chinese Taipei in the women's kabaddi final 26-25. Indian archers Ojas Deotale and Jyothi Surekha Vennam claimed a hat-trick of gold medals, while Aditi Swami bagged a bronze claiming a total of nine medals at the Asian Games. According to PTI, India's previous best was at Incheon 2014 when the country had won three medals.
PM Narendra Modi took to X, formerly Twitter, to extend his greetings on India's success at the event.
"A momentous achievement for India at the Asian Games! The people of India are thrilled that we have reached a remarkable milestone of 100 medals. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our phenomenal athletes whose efforts have led to this historic milestone for India. Every awe-inspiring performance has made history and filled our hearts with pride. I look forward to hosting our Asian Games contingent on the 10th and interacting with our athletes," the PM said.
"It is a historic moment for India at the Asian Games. Our Kabaddi Women's team has clinched the Gold! This victory is a testament to the indomitable spirit of our women athletes. India is proud of this success. Congrats to the team. My best wishes for their future endeavours," the Prime Minister said on winning of women's team in Kabaddi finals.
The day began with reigning world champion Aditi assuring the country of an unprecedented ninth medal in archery at these Games when she prevailed over Indonesia's Ratih Zilizati Fadhly in a one-sided bronze play-off. She won 146-140. Later Jyothi, who had already bagged a gold in mixed pair and women's team events, made it three in a row after defeating her South Korean opponent So Chaewon 149-145.
"I feel short of words and lots of emotions are going through. I need some time to give this a thinking," Jyothi said.
Indian archer Ojas Deotale won gold as Abhishek Verma settled for a silver medal in the men's compound individual event. Deotale, who secured the Worlds title at Berlin dropped just one-point to overwhelm the 34-year-old 149-147.