India expect a rich haul from athletics

Jakarta: The Asian Games athletics competition begins at the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex here on Saturday. India, who have given a good account of themselves so far thanks mainly to shooters, are expecting a rich haul from athletics. The Indians are hopeful of improving their tally of two gold, three silver and eight bronze medals won from the last edition at Incheon.

Neeraj Chopra is the favourite to win the javelin gold medal. Neeraj, who became the first Indian to win a gold in his discipline at the Commonwealth Games earlier this year at Gold Coast, is expected to do an encore here.

The 20-year-old has been in fine form leading up to the Games and has booked his place in the Diamond League finals in Zurich scheduled for August 30. Neeraj has the best mark in Asia this season with his effort of 87.43m in Doha. Chinese Taipei’s Chao-Tsun Cheng, who holds the Asian record of 91.36m, could spoil Neeraj’s party though. The javelin final will be held on Monday.

Strong contender

Shot-putter Tajinder Pal Singh Toor, who will be in action on Saturday, is another strong contender for the gold medal.

World U-20 champion Hima Das is expected to pick up a medal in 400m. But the presnce of Asian record holder Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain means Hima will find the field tough.

"I feel the competition will be tough for both Neeraj and Hima. I believe (P U) Chitra (1,500m) and Jinson Johnson (800m) are favourites to clinch the gold in their respective events. Also I am hopeful of Muhammed Anas (400m) winning a medal," former World Championships bronze medal-winning long jumper Anju Bobby George told Onmanorama over the phone.

Discus-throwers Seema Punia and Navjeet Kaur Dhillon, along with triple jumper Arpinder Singh, too could be among the medals.

The Indians are eyeing a clean sweep in the men's, women's and mixed 4x400 relays events. However, Japan and Bahrain could dash their hopes in the women's event.

Overall the signs are good and it is time the athletics contingent did the country proud.

Four gold medals - men's marathon, women's hammer throw, men's shot put and women's 10,000m - will be determined on Saturday.