The 2022 Asian Games will take place from September 10 to September 25, 2022, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China and there will be five co-host cities.

The multi-sporting event will feature 40 sports with a total of 61 disciplines, including Olympic sports like swimming, archery, athletics, badminton, equestrian, fencing, football, hockey, judo, kabaddi, and much more.

E-sports and breakdancing will debut in the 2022 Asian Games as full medal sports after being approved by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) this year, while Cricket will be back at Asian Games in T20 format to raise the excitement of the viewers.

India is a member of the South Asian Zone of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and one of the only seven countries that have competed in all the editions of the Asian Games.

India has won at least one gold medal at every Asian Games and always ranked within the top 10 nations of the medal table, except in the 1990 edition. So far, India has won 139 gold, 178 silver, and 299 bronze medals at the Asian Games and will look to significantly increase the medal tally this year.

For the first time ever, more than 300 athletes from Oceania countries have been given the chance to compete at this year's 19th edition of the Asian Games. The Oceania athletes, including those from Australia and New Zealand, will be allowed to compete in five sports: triathlon, athletics, wushu, roller skating, and weightlifting.

Sony Pictures Networks India, (SPN), has acquired the exclusive rights for the 2022 Asian Games from November 2021 to September 2023. This association will give SPN exclusive rights to broadcast the 19th edition of the Asian Games on its sports channels across India and the subcontinent including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bhutan, and the Maldives. The tournament will also be available on the OTT platform, SonyLIV.

The 2022 Asian Games will take place from September 10 to September 25, 2022, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China and there will be five co-host cities. The multi-sporting event will feature 40 sports with a total of 61 disciplines, including Olympic sports like swimming, archery, athletics, badminton, equestrian, fencing, football, hockey, judo, kabaddi, and much more.

The 2022 Asian Games will take place from September 10 to September 25, 2022, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China and there will be five co-host cities. The multi-sporting event will feature 40 sports with a total of 61 disciplines, including Olympic sports like swimming, archery, athletics, badminton, equestrian, fencing, football, hockey, judo, kabaddi, and much more. E-sports and breakdancing will debut in the 2022 Asian Games as full medal sports after being approved by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) this year, while Cricket will be back at Asian Games in T20 format to raise the excitement of the viewers. India is a member of the South Asian Zone of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and one of the only seven countries that have competed in all the editions of the Asian Games. India has won at least one gold medal at every Asian Games and always ranked within the top 10 nations of the medal table, except in the 1990 edition. So far, India has won 139 gold, 178 silver, and 299 bronze medals at the Asian Games and will look to significantly increase the medal tally this year. For the first time ever, more than 300 athletes from Oceania countries have been given the chance to compete at this year's 19th edition of the Asian Games. The Oceania athletes, including those from Australia and New Zealand, will be allowed to compete in five sports: triathlon, athletics, wushu, roller skating, and weightlifting. Sony Pictures Networks India, (SPN), has acquired the exclusive rights for the 2022 Asian Games from November 2021 to September 2023. This association will give SPN exclusive rights to broadcast the 19th edition of the Asian Games on its sports channels across India and the subcontinent including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bhutan, and the Maldives. The tournament will also be available on the OTT platform, SonyLIV.

Asian Games 2022: 40 sports to feature, cricket to be back after 11 years

Doha will host the 2030 Asian Games, the Olympic Council of Asia announced Wednesday, while Riyadh was named as host of the 2034 edition under a compromise agreed between the rivals.

An executive board meeting of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) unanimously approved the proposal to name the runner-up in the two-horse race for the 2030 games as 2034 hosts.

"I can now announce... that the city who had the highest vote and will host 2030 is Doha," said OCA president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.

"The second hosting city, for 2034, is Riyadh."

Voting was delayed by hours after technical problems with the online system, in place to allow some national olympic committees to participate remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"I apologise for the technical problem we are facing during our voting," said Sheikh Ahmad.&nbsp;

"Today the difficult things have been solved and the easy things have been problems."

"I will be glad to have two games in west Asia, to be honest," added Sheikh Ahmad.

Saudi and Qatar are locked in a bitter dispute after an alliance of countries led by Riyadh cut diplomatic, economic and transport ties with Doha in 2017, accusing it of backing radical Islamists and Iran.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h2>- 'A national priority' -</h2>

&nbsp;

Qatar denies the charges and there has been progress to reconcile the dispute in recent weeks with all sides praising Kuwaiti-led mediation.

Ahead of the vote, the OCA's president said he was seeking a "win-win" situation for Doha and Riyadh.

Doha hosted the Asian Games in 2006 while Saudi Arabia has never organised an OCA multi-sport event.

"Our goal is simple. We want to see more Asian athletes in the future, on future Olympic podiums," said Qatar Olympic Committee chief Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani ahead of the vote.

"We want that to be part of your national sports history, not just ours. And we want to support you in the efforts to get there."&nbsp;

Qatar is also participating in the bidding process for the 2032 summer Olympics.

A video showcased Qatar's raft of sporting and transport infrastructure being prepared ahead of the 2022 football World Cup that would be repurposed for the 2030 games. The games will have a $1.3 billion budget.&nbsp;

The Doha bid team claimed that 90 percent of the infrastructure for the 2030 games was already in place.

President of Saudi's Olympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal Al-Saud said "when we say the games are a national priority, we mean it".

"It has unwavering political and public support," he said

"Sport has changed social life in the kingdom -- especially for women."

Prince Abdulaziz pointed to Saudi's hosting of major boxing clashes and planning for next year's Formula 1 as proof of the kingdom's readiness for the Asian games.

Doha will host the 2030 Asian Games, the Olympic Council of Asia announced Wednesday, while Riyadh was named as host of the 2034 edition under a compromise agreed between the rivals.

Doha will host the 2030 Asian Games, the Olympic Council of Asia announced Wednesday, while Riyadh was named as host of the 2034 edition under a compromise agreed between the rivals. An executive board meeting of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) unanimously approved the proposal to name the runner-up in the two-horse race for the 2030 games as 2034 hosts. "I can now announce... that the city who had the highest vote and will host 2030 is Doha," said OCA president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah. "The second hosting city, for 2034, is Riyadh." Voting was delayed by hours after technical problems with the online system, in place to allow some national olympic committees to participate remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic. "I apologise for the technical problem we are facing during our voting," said Sheikh Ahmad. "Today the difficult things have been solved and the easy things have been problems." "I will be glad to have two games in west Asia, to be honest," added Sheikh Ahmad. Saudi and Qatar are locked in a bitter dispute after an alliance of countries led by Riyadh cut diplomatic, economic and transport ties with Doha in 2017, accusing it of backing radical Islamists and Iran. - 'A national priority' - Qatar denies the charges and there has been progress to reconcile the dispute in recent weeks with all sides praising Kuwaiti-led mediation. Ahead of the vote, the OCA's president said he was seeking a "win-win" situation for Doha and Riyadh. Doha hosted the Asian Games in 2006 while Saudi Arabia has never organised an OCA multi-sport event. "Our goal is simple. We want to see more Asian athletes in the future, on future Olympic podiums," said Qatar Olympic Committee chief Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani ahead of the vote. "We want that to be part of your national sports history, not just ours. And we want to support you in the efforts to get there." Qatar is also participating in the bidding process for the 2032 summer Olympics. A video showcased Qatar's raft of sporting and transport infrastructure being prepared ahead of the 2022 football World Cup that would be repurposed for the 2030 games. The games will have a $1.3 billion budget. The Doha bid team claimed that 90 percent of the infrastructure for the 2030 games was already in place. President of Saudi's Olympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal Al-Saud said "when we say the games are a national priority, we mean it". "It has unwavering political and public support," he said "Sport has changed social life in the kingdom -- especially for women." Prince Abdulaziz pointed to Saudi's hosting of major boxing clashes and planning for next year's Formula 1 as proof of the kingdom's readiness for the Asian games.

Doha to host 2030 Asian Games, Riyadh 2034 edition

Gymnastics had always been on the margins of Indian sport and it was only Ashish Kumar's medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games that saw the sport being taken seriously. But within Indian Gymnastics it was all about the men and the female gymnasts were accorded step-motherly treatment. Dipa Karmakar harnessed that hurt and channeled it first to a Commonwealth Games medal in 2014 and then qualification for the Rio Olympics. Karmakar shocked the world by reaching the final of the Women's Vault and narrowly missed out on a medal. Karmakar looks back on her journey in this conversation with Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo and 2016 Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik

Wion Broadband Olympic Edition | The Small Wonder, Gymnast who stunned the world | Dipa Karmakar

Success at the Olympic Games isn't always about medals. Some performances act as a trigger and change mindsets. At the 2016 Rio Games Dipa Karmakar finished 4th in the Women's Vault and shocked the world. India had no history in Gymnastics to write home about but that did not deter the fiercely driven gymnast from Tripura. Sakshi Malik also broke barriers as she ended India's wait for that elusive medal in Rio. Wrestling was regarded as a male-bastion but Malik never allowed the criticism to come between her goal and inspired a new generation to come forward and take up female Wrestling.

Wion Broadband Olympic Edition | The Trailblazers from Rio 2016 | Sakshi, Dipa shatter stereotypes

Cancer-hit badminton star Lee Chong Wei announced his retirement Thursday, ending a brilliant career in which he collected a swathe of honours but never won a world or Olympic title.

"My decision to retire is a heavy one. I really love this sport. But it is a demanding sport. I thank all Malaysians for the past 19 years," a teary-eyed Lee, 36, told a news conference.&nbsp;

Lee, a father of two, was diagnosed with early-stage nose cancer last year and after intensive treatment in Taiwan, said he was keen to play again.

But he hasn't trained since April and after missing a series of self-imposed deadlines to return to competition, his hopes of being eligible for next year's Tokyo Olympics were remote.

The three-time Olympic silver medallist said he would now like to rest and spend time with his family, and even take his wife on a "honeymoon", a trip that has been delayed since their marriage in 2012.

Cancer-hit badminton star Lee Chong Wei announced his retirement Thursday, ending a brilliant career in which he collected a swathe of honours but never won a world or Olympic title.

Cancer-hit badminton star Lee Chong Wei announced his retirement Thursday, ending a brilliant career in which he collected a swathe of honours but never won a world or Olympic title. "My decision to retire is a heavy one. I really love this sport. But it is a demanding sport. I thank all Malaysians for the past 19 years," a teary-eyed Lee, 36, told a news conference. Lee, a father of two, was diagnosed with early-stage nose cancer last year and after intensive treatment in Taiwan, said he was keen to play again. But he hasn't trained since April and after missing a series of self-imposed deadlines to return to competition, his hopes of being eligible for next year's Tokyo Olympics were remote. The three-time Olympic silver medallist said he would now like to rest and spend time with his family, and even take his wife on a "honeymoon", a trip that has been delayed since their marriage in 2012.

Badminton star Lee Chong Wei retires after cancer battle

Indian sprinter Duttee Chand said that her sister is blackmailing her because of which she&nbsp;came out in public about her same-sex relationship.&nbsp;

Duttee said, "My own sister is blackmailing me, she asked me for Rs 25 lakh. She had once beaten me, I'd reported to the police."

"Since she was blackmailing me, I was forced to come out about my relationship," she added.&nbsp;

Earlier her eldest sister Saraswati, who is also an athlete had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dutee-chand-was-pressurised-and-blackmailed-for-admitting-same-sex-relation-claims-her-sister-220068">threatened to not only expel her from the family</a> but also send her to jail.&nbsp;

Saraswati even claimed, "With great sorrow, I have to say that the decision taken by Dutee is not of her own. She's been pressurised and blackmailed into marriage by that girl and her family. All of this has been done to grab the property and wealth of Dutee."&nbsp;

"Dutee's life and property are in danger. That's why I request the government to provide protection and security to Dutee," Saraswati added.&nbsp;

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Dutee won a landmark 'gender' case against the IAAF in an appeal to the Court of Arbitration in 2015 and she was allowed to compete after being banned for one year.&nbsp;

The CAS suspended the IAAF's policy on hyperandrogenism for two years.&nbsp;

Later the world body changed the policy, which applicable only on female athletes competing in the range of 400m to 1500m, leaving out Dutee, who competes in 100m and 200m, from its ambit.

Indian sprinter Duttee Chand said that her sister is blackmailing her because of which she came out in public about her same-sex relationship. Duttee said, "My own sister is blackmailing me, she asked me for Rs 25 lakh.

Indian sprinter Duttee Chand said that her sister is blackmailing her because of which she came out in public about her same-sex relationship. Duttee said, "My own sister is blackmailing me, she asked me for Rs 25 lakh. She had once beaten me, I'd reported to the police." "Since she was blackmailing me, I was forced to come out about my relationship," she added. Earlier her eldest sister Saraswati, who is also an athlete had threatened to not only expel her from the family but also send her to jail. Saraswati even claimed, "With great sorrow, I have to say that the decision taken by Dutee is not of her own. She's been pressurised and blackmailed into marriage by that girl and her family. All of this has been done to grab the property and wealth of Dutee." "Dutee's life and property are in danger. That's why I request the government to provide protection and security to Dutee," Saraswati added. × Dutee won a landmark 'gender' case against the IAAF in an appeal to the Court of Arbitration in 2015 and she was allowed to compete after being banned for one year. The CAS suspended the IAAF's policy on hyperandrogenism for two years. Later the world body changed the policy, which applicable only on female athletes competing in the range of 400m to 1500m, leaving out Dutee, who competes in 100m and 200m, from its ambit.

Dutee Chand: My own sister is blackmailing me, she asked me for Rs 25 lakh

Commonwealth and Asian Games champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has undergone surgery on the elbow of his throwing arm and faces a race against time to be fully fit before the World Championships in Doha at the end of September.

The 21-year-old Indian has not competed since picking up the injury to his right elbow late last year and was working extensively on his core strengthening and flexibility with an eye on the World Championships.

The former world junior champion underwent an arthroscopy procedure to remove bone fragments which were causing him discomfort on Thursday and was released from the Mumbai hospital on Friday.

"Undergone elbow surgery in Mumbai by Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala," Chopra said in a social media post, accompanied by a picture of him lying on a hospital bed with his right arm in an elbow brace.

"Will require some months of rehabilitation before I can start back with throwing. Hoping to return stronger.

"Every setback is a setup for a comeback. God wants to bring you out better than you were before."

Last year, Chopra became only the third man to win an athletics gold for India at the Commonwealth Games after sprinter Milkha Singh in 1958 and discus thrower Vikas Gowda in 2014.

A throw of 86.47 metres was enough to take the title on the Gold Coast and he followed that up with 87.43 metres at the Diamond League leg in Doha in May.

At the Asiad in Jakarta he threw even further, clearing a season's best distance of 88.06 metres for the title -- placing him sixth on the IAAF top list for 2018.

Hailing from the Northern Indian state of Haryana, which is better known for producing wrestlers and kabaddi players, Chopra is currently ranked fifth in the IAAF world rankings in javelin.

He was targeting a throw of 92 metres and finish in the top six at the World Championships in Doha.

"Neeraj went through consultations with doctors in India and his scans were sent to multiple international experts as well, who all suggested that the elbow arthroscopy would be the best alternative," said Manisha Malhotra, Head of Sports Excellence at JSW Sports, the organisation which manages the athlete.

"After considering all options and feedback, Neeraj decided to stay in India and undergo the procedure."

Commonwealth and Asian Games champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has undergone surgery on the elbow of his throwing arm and faces a race against time to be fully fit before the World Championships in Doha at the end of September.

Commonwealth and Asian Games champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has undergone surgery on the elbow of his throwing arm and faces a race against time to be fully fit before the World Championships in Doha at the end of September. The 21-year-old Indian has not competed since picking up the injury to his right elbow late last year and was working extensively on his core strengthening and flexibility with an eye on the World Championships. The former world junior champion underwent an arthroscopy procedure to remove bone fragments which were causing him discomfort on Thursday and was released from the Mumbai hospital on Friday. "Undergone elbow surgery in Mumbai by Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala," Chopra said in a social media post, accompanied by a picture of him lying on a hospital bed with his right arm in an elbow brace. "Will require some months of rehabilitation before I can start back with throwing. Hoping to return stronger. "Every setback is a setup for a comeback. God wants to bring you out better than you were before." Last year, Chopra became only the third man to win an athletics gold for India at the Commonwealth Games after sprinter Milkha Singh in 1958 and discus thrower Vikas Gowda in 2014. A throw of 86.47 metres was enough to take the title on the Gold Coast and he followed that up with 87.43 metres at the Diamond League leg in Doha in May. At the Asiad in Jakarta he threw even further, clearing a season's best distance of 88.06 metres for the title -- placing him sixth on the IAAF top list for 2018. Hailing from the Northern Indian state of Haryana, which is better known for producing wrestlers and kabaddi players, Chopra is currently ranked fifth in the IAAF world rankings in javelin. He was targeting a throw of 92 metres and finish in the top six at the World Championships in Doha. "Neeraj went through consultations with doctors in India and his scans were sent to multiple international experts as well, who all suggested that the elbow arthroscopy would be the best alternative," said Manisha Malhotra, Head of Sports Excellence at JSW Sports, the organisation which manages the athlete. "After considering all options and feedback, Neeraj decided to stay in India and undergo the procedure."

Neeraj Chopra faces lengthy recovery after elbow surgery

Cricket is set to make a return at the Asian Games following Olympic Council of Asia’s decision to include the gentlemen’s game in the sports programme for the 2022 Asian Games, which is scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China.&nbsp;

Cricket was included in the OCA sports programme in the General Assembly, which took place in Bangkok on Sunday as confirmed by the OCA honorary vice-president Randhir Singh.

Cricket was left out from the 2018 Asian Games, which was held in Indonesia. The last time cricket featured in the Asian Games was in the 2010 and 2014 edition but Team India opted out of the event on both the occasions citing hectic schedule. &nbsp;

"Yes, cricket has been included in the sports programme for the 2022 Hangzhou Games," OCA honorary vice-president Randhir Singh told PTI.The twenty-20 format is likely to be played at the Asian Games same like the 2010 and 2014 edition in Guangzhou and Incheon respectively. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) still have a few years on their hands to think about India’s participation in the quadrennial event.

"There is a lot of time to go for 2022 Asian Games. In due time, we will discuss and decide," a BCCI official was quoted as saying by PTI.

Bangladesh and Pakistan were the gold winners in the men’s and women’s event in 2010 Asian Games while Sri Lanka and Pakistan bagged the top laurels in 2014.

The gentlemen’s game has also been played once at the Commonwealth Games in 1998 when India and Pakistan sent their teams to Kuala Lumpur, but it was the South African side under the leadership of Shaun Pollock, which won the gold, whereas the Steve Waugh-led Australian team bagged the silver.

Now, it would be interesting to see whether the BCCI decides to send the Indian team for the 2022 edition of the Asian Games, given the already hectic schedule of the Men and Women in Blue.

&nbsp;

Cricket is set to make a return at the Asian Games following Olympic Council of Asia’s decision to include the gentlemen’s game in the sports programme for the 2022 Asian Games, which is scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China.

Cricket is set to make a return at the Asian Games following Olympic Council of Asia’s decision to include the gentlemen’s game in the sports programme for the 2022 Asian Games, which is scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China. Cricket was included in the OCA sports programme in the General Assembly, which took place in Bangkok on Sunday as confirmed by the OCA honorary vice-president Randhir Singh. Cricket was left out from the 2018 Asian Games, which was held in Indonesia. The last time cricket featured in the Asian Games was in the 2010 and 2014 edition but Team India opted out of the event on both the occasions citing hectic schedule. "Yes, cricket has been included in the sports programme for the 2022 Hangzhou Games," OCA honorary vice-president Randhir Singh told PTI.The twenty-20 format is likely to be played at the Asian Games same like the 2010 and 2014 edition in Guangzhou and Incheon respectively. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) still have a few years on their hands to think about India’s participation in the quadrennial event. "There is a lot of time to go for 2022 Asian Games. In due time, we will discuss and decide," a BCCI official was quoted as saying by PTI. Bangladesh and Pakistan were the gold winners in the men’s and women’s event in 2010 Asian Games while Sri Lanka and Pakistan bagged the top laurels in 2014. The gentlemen’s game has also been played once at the Commonwealth Games in 1998 when India and Pakistan sent their teams to Kuala Lumpur, but it was the South African side under the leadership of Shaun Pollock, which won the gold, whereas the Steve Waugh-led Australian team bagged the silver. Now, it would be interesting to see whether the BCCI decides to send the Indian team for the 2022 edition of the Asian Games, given the already hectic schedule of the Men and Women in Blue.

Cricket all set to make Asian Games return in 2022 edition

Virat Kohli continued to dominate the cricket chatter with his batting and brashness, the indomitable MC Mary Kom rolled back the years like very few can and, month after month, Indian sports also found new and younger heroes to raise a toast to.&nbsp;

PV Sindhu's perseverance on the badminton court, Neeraj Chopra's obsessive pursuit of perfection every time he hurled the javelin, and the teenage shooting stars who refused to take their eyes off the target, made 2018 a year in which highs easily outnumbered the lows for Indian sports.&nbsp;

There was a plethora of big-ticket sporting events this year and the country had lots to celebrate throughout. Whether it was the Commonwealth and the Asian Games or Youth Olympics, athletes pushed the boundaries and produced path-breaking performances.&nbsp;

There were the usual administrative mess-ups occasionally and odd cases of dope shame as well, but they couldn't make a dent to the overall sense of accomplishment.&nbsp;

On the cricket field, the results weren't encouraging in South Africa and England but Kohli the batsman again ruled the roost, making his craft look ridiculously easy even on the most challenging tracks. It was only fitting that he was bestowed the nation's highest sporting honour - the Khel Ratna.&nbsp;

For 'Captain Kohli', however, it was far more challenging as he grappled to get the combinations right. But the team did find a degree of redemption against Australia by retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to close the year on a high.&nbsp;

Of course, it came against an Australian team weakened by the absence of banned batting mainstays Steve Smith and David Warner. The duo, along with Cameron Bancroft, combined for this year's biggest cricket scandal -&nbsp;the ball-tampering saga that forced a review of Australia's "win at all cost" culture.&nbsp;

The same Australia which had the world mesmerised by its near-perfect hosting of the Commonwealth Games within weeks of the drama.&nbsp;

The Games were memorable for India too as the country logged its third-best ever medal haul, highlighted by a record-shattering weightlifting show. Spearheading it was the diminutive world champion&nbsp;

Mirabai Chanu, who later shared the Khel Ratna with Kohli.

Weightlifting also found another prospective star in Jeremy Lalrinnunga after the 16-year-old claimed an unprecedented gold at Youth Olympics.&nbsp;

It was a comeback of sorts for shooting, after their flop-show at the 2016 Olympics.&nbsp;

India's gold medal-winners at the CWG shooting range included a 16-year-old Manu Bhaker and a 15-year-old Anish Bhanwala. The shooters hit the bull's eye in the Asiad too and though Bhaker felt the pain of failure for the first time, new gold-winning stars emerged in 16-year-old Saurabh Choudhary and a 15-something Shardul Vihan.&nbsp;

Bhaker and Chaudhary also won gold medals at Youth Olympics.&nbsp;

If shooting was about youngsters, boxing became all about an ageing but incomparable superstar in Mary Kom. The 36-year-old mother-of-three, who is also a Parliamentarian, picked up four gold medals - including a record sixth world title and the CWG top honours.&nbsp;

"There won't be another Mary Kom," she declared and one look at her predominantly golden cabinet of medals would be enough to silence anyone who thinks otherwise.&nbsp;

Then there was Sindhu. She lost five big finals, quietly took the criticism that labelled her a 'choker', but had the last laugh with a season-ending World Tour Finals title, beating world No.1 and familiar foe Tai Tzu Ying on her way to the summit clash.&nbsp;

Not to be left behind was Saina Nehwal. The trailblazer started with a gold at CWG, picked up a bronze in Asian Games and began a new chapter in her personal life by marrying fellow shuttler P Kashyap.&nbsp;

On the wrestling mat, Vinesh Phogat became more than just a famous Phogat sister with gold medals at both the CWG and Asian Games and Bajrang Punia stepped out of the shadow of his mentor and London Olympics bronze-medallist Yogeshwar Dutt.&nbsp;

Punia won gold at CWG and Asiad before a silver at World Championships positioned him as the biggest star. However, double Olympic-medallist Sushil Kumar's stock fell due to a string of sub-par performances.&nbsp;

The big takeaway in table tennis was the rise of Manika Batra. The Delhiite claimed four medals, including two gold, in the CWG before combining with veteran Sharath Kamal for a historic mixed doubles bronze at the Asiad, where India delivered its best-ever medal haul.&nbsp;

Another star to make the year his own was Neeraj. The 21-year-old won both the CWG and Asian Games with records to boot and is giving Indian athletics audacious Olympic medal hopes for Tokyo 2020.&nbsp;

A sprint sensation also emerged in 18-year-old Hima Das, India's first ever woman track-and-field world champion at any level after her under-20 400m gold.&nbsp;

Away from the spotlight, it was business as usual for ace cueist Pankaj Advani as he added a 21st world title to his trophy cabinet.&nbsp;

A star rose on the golf course as well in Shubhankar Sharma, who won the Maybank Malaysia Open. He also bagged Asian Tour Order of Merit title and European Tour Rookie of the Year award.&nbsp;

There were disappointments too -&nbsp;the men's hockey team being the most prominent with no medal at CWG and an underwhelming third-place finish at Asiad.

CWG champion weightlifter Sanjita Chanu flunked a dope test.&nbsp;And there was no end to the administrative mess that the BCCI has become.&nbsp;

However, none of the negatives was big enough to come in the way of a stronger India emerging on the competitive field.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli continued to dominate the cricket chatter with his batting and brashness, the indomitable MC Mary Kom rolled back the years like very few can and, month after month, Indian sports also found new and younger heroes to raise a toast to.

Virat Kohli continued to dominate the cricket chatter with his batting and brashness, the indomitable MC Mary Kom rolled back the years like very few can and, month after month, Indian sports also found new and younger heroes to raise a toast to. PV Sindhu's perseverance on the badminton court, Neeraj Chopra's obsessive pursuit of perfection every time he hurled the javelin, and the teenage shooting stars who refused to take their eyes off the target, made 2018 a year in which highs easily outnumbered the lows for Indian sports. There was a plethora of big-ticket sporting events this year and the country had lots to celebrate throughout. Whether it was the Commonwealth and the Asian Games or Youth Olympics, athletes pushed the boundaries and produced path-breaking performances. There were the usual administrative mess-ups occasionally and odd cases of dope shame as well, but they couldn't make a dent to the overall sense of accomplishment. On the cricket field, the results weren't encouraging in South Africa and England but Kohli the batsman again ruled the roost, making his craft look ridiculously easy even on the most challenging tracks. It was only fitting that he was bestowed the nation's highest sporting honour - the Khel Ratna. For 'Captain Kohli', however, it was far more challenging as he grappled to get the combinations right. But the team did find a degree of redemption against Australia by retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to close the year on a high. Of course, it came against an Australian team weakened by the absence of banned batting mainstays Steve Smith and David Warner. The duo, along with Cameron Bancroft, combined for this year's biggest cricket scandal - the ball-tampering saga that forced a review of Australia's "win at all cost" culture. The same Australia which had the world mesmerised by its near-perfect hosting of the Commonwealth Games within weeks of the drama. The Games were memorable for India too as the country logged its third-best ever medal haul, highlighted by a record-shattering weightlifting show. Spearheading it was the diminutive world champion Mirabai Chanu, who later shared the Khel Ratna with Kohli. Weightlifting also found another prospective star in Jeremy Lalrinnunga after the 16-year-old claimed an unprecedented gold at Youth Olympics. It was a comeback of sorts for shooting, after their flop-show at the 2016 Olympics. India's gold medal-winners at the CWG shooting range included a 16-year-old Manu Bhaker and a 15-year-old Anish Bhanwala. The shooters hit the bull's eye in the Asiad too and though Bhaker felt the pain of failure for the first time, new gold-winning stars emerged in 16-year-old Saurabh Choudhary and a 15-something Shardul Vihan. Bhaker and Chaudhary also won gold medals at Youth Olympics. If shooting was about youngsters, boxing became all about an ageing but incomparable superstar in Mary Kom. The 36-year-old mother-of-three, who is also a Parliamentarian, picked up four gold medals - including a record sixth world title and the CWG top honours. "There won't be another Mary Kom," she declared and one look at her predominantly golden cabinet of medals would be enough to silence anyone who thinks otherwise. Then there was Sindhu. She lost five big finals, quietly took the criticism that labelled her a 'choker', but had the last laugh with a season-ending World Tour Finals title, beating world No.1 and familiar foe Tai Tzu Ying on her way to the summit clash. Not to be left behind was Saina Nehwal. The trailblazer started with a gold at CWG, picked up a bronze in Asian Games and began a new chapter in her personal life by marrying fellow shuttler P Kashyap. On the wrestling mat, Vinesh Phogat became more than just a famous Phogat sister with gold medals at both the CWG and Asian Games and Bajrang Punia stepped out of the shadow of his mentor and London Olympics bronze-medallist Yogeshwar Dutt. Punia won gold at CWG and Asiad before a silver at World Championships positioned him as the biggest star. However, double Olympic-medallist Sushil Kumar's stock fell due to a string of sub-par performances. The big takeaway in table tennis was the rise of Manika Batra. The Delhiite claimed four medals, including two gold, in the CWG before combining with veteran Sharath Kamal for a historic mixed doubles bronze at the Asiad, where India delivered its best-ever medal haul. Another star to make the year his own was Neeraj. The 21-year-old won both the CWG and Asian Games with records to boot and is giving Indian athletics audacious Olympic medal hopes for Tokyo 2020. A sprint sensation also emerged in 18-year-old Hima Das, India's first ever woman track-and-field world champion at any level after her under-20 400m gold. Away from the spotlight, it was business as usual for ace cueist Pankaj Advani as he added a 21st world title to his trophy cabinet. A star rose on the golf course as well in Shubhankar Sharma, who won the Maybank Malaysia Open. He also bagged Asian Tour Order of Merit title and European Tour Rookie of the Year award. There were disappointments too - the men's hockey team being the most prominent with no medal at CWG and an underwhelming third-place finish at Asiad. CWG champion weightlifter Sanjita Chanu flunked a dope test. And there was no end to the administrative mess that the BCCI has become. However, none of the negatives was big enough to come in the way of a stronger India emerging on the competitive field.

Virat Kohli, Mary Kom make 2018 their own; India discovers new stars too

Asian Games 2018 was historic for the Indian contingent as India finished with a best-ever medal haul at the tournament with 15 gold, 24 silver and 30 bronze.&nbsp;

The medal tally stood at 69, a step up from Incheon four years ago when they won 65. It is definitely a leap forward for Indian sport as the players are now gunning for Olympic glory.&nbsp;

India equalled the 15-gold tally of the 1951 inaugural Games but the country had never won 24 silvers before. Overall, India maintained its top-10 rank by finishing at eighth position.

Asian Games, which is the world's second biggest multi-sport event, is scheduled two years ahead of the Summer Games and provides the best chance to prepare for the event.&nbsp;

India's former long jumper Anju Bobby George was quoted by ESPN, "We have been winning track and field medals at the Asian Games for years together now so it's time we start aiming for bigger events like the Olympics."

Earlier, athletics has been considered as India's medal mine at the Games but in the latest edition, India made a podium finish in different categories with record-breaking performances.&nbsp;

All the winners, who made the nation proud must be remembered again as we summarise the year.

Starting with Tejinder Pal Singh Toor, who finished first at the podium in men's shot put with a record-shattering throw and set a national record as well.&nbsp;

Moving forward to Manjit Singh, who printed to victory in the 800m and Jinson Johnson, who clinched gold in 1500m race event.

Twelve-toed Swapna Barman entered the history books by becoming the country's first heptathlete to grab a yellow metal at the Games.&nbsp;

Dutee Chand returned to the track with a bang. Running as if there was no tomorrow, she ended up blazing the track for two silver medals, the one in 100m being India's first in 20 years.&nbsp;

Arpinder Singh won the gold in the men's triple jump. This was India's first triple jump gold in 48 years at the Asian Games.&nbsp;

Wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat performed as if they owned the mat, winning gold medals with sheer domination.&nbsp;

Boxer Amit Panghal ensured that a medal - gold - came from the boxing arena too.&nbsp;

All thanks to PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal country's 36-year-old wait for an individual medal ended in badminton. Sindhu's silver and Saina's bronze were among the highlights of India's campaign.&nbsp;

Table tennis player Manika Batra won two bronze in team events by competing against powerhouses like China and Japan is no mean feat. Batra, Sharath Kamal, G Sathian and Harmeet Desai deserve an applause for their effort.&nbsp;

As expected, Neeraj Chopra achieved a super result by becoming the first Indian to win a gold in the javelin throw.

Bridge buddies Pranab Bardhan and Shibnath Dey Sarkar won gold in men's pairs and urged fans to not equate their sport with gambling, saying it's a game of intellect.&nbsp;

Tennis stars Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan won the elusive gold medal in the finals of men's doubles.

While there were many moments to rejoice, India's performance in kabaddi and hockey disappointed the fans, Still, the nation has high hopes as the recent performances show a promising and bright future ahead.

Asian Games 2018 was historic for the Indian contingent as India finished with a best-ever medal haul at the tournament with 15 gold, 24 silver and 30 bronze. The medal tally stood at 69, a step up from Incheon four years ago when they won 65.

Asian Games 2018 was historic for the Indian contingent as India finished with a best-ever medal haul at the tournament with 15 gold, 24 silver and 30 bronze. The medal tally stood at 69, a step up from Incheon four years ago when they won 65. It is definitely a leap forward for Indian sport as the players are now gunning for Olympic glory. India equalled the 15-gold tally of the 1951 inaugural Games but the country had never won 24 silvers before. Overall, India maintained its top-10 rank by finishing at eighth position. Asian Games, which is the world's second biggest multi-sport event, is scheduled two years ahead of the Summer Games and provides the best chance to prepare for the event. India's former long jumper Anju Bobby George was quoted by ESPN, "We have been winning track and field medals at the Asian Games for years together now so it's time we start aiming for bigger events like the Olympics." Earlier, athletics has been considered as India's medal mine at the Games but in the latest edition, India made a podium finish in different categories with record-breaking performances. All the winners, who made the nation proud must be remembered again as we summarise the year. Starting with Tejinder Pal Singh Toor, who finished first at the podium in men's shot put with a record-shattering throw and set a national record as well. Moving forward to Manjit Singh, who printed to victory in the 800m and Jinson Johnson, who clinched gold in 1500m race event. Twelve-toed Swapna Barman entered the history books by becoming the country's first heptathlete to grab a yellow metal at the Games. Dutee Chand returned to the track with a bang. Running as if there was no tomorrow, she ended up blazing the track for two silver medals, the one in 100m being India's first in 20 years. Arpinder Singh won the gold in the men's triple jump. This was India's first triple jump gold in 48 years at the Asian Games. Wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat performed as if they owned the mat, winning gold medals with sheer domination. Boxer Amit Panghal ensured that a medal - gold - came from the boxing arena too. All thanks to PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal country's 36-year-old wait for an individual medal ended in badminton. Sindhu's silver and Saina's bronze were among the highlights of India's campaign. Table tennis player Manika Batra won two bronze in team events by competing against powerhouses like China and Japan is no mean feat. Batra, Sharath Kamal, G Sathian and Harmeet Desai deserve an applause for their effort. As expected, Neeraj Chopra achieved a super result by becoming the first Indian to win a gold in the javelin throw. Bridge buddies Pranab Bardhan and Shibnath Dey Sarkar won gold in men's pairs and urged fans to not equate their sport with gambling, saying it's a game of intellect. Tennis stars Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan won the elusive gold medal in the finals of men's doubles. While there were many moments to rejoice, India's performance in kabaddi and hockey disappointed the fans, Still, the nation has high hopes as the recent performances show a promising and bright future ahead.

Asian Games 2018: India's power-pack performance in Jakarta and Palembang

Indian table tennis earned the world's respect in a watershed 2018 when the country won a historic two medals at the Asian Games after Manika Batra's unprecedented showing at the Commonwealth Games.

Sharath Kamal, arguably India's finest player who is still going strong at 36, summed up the year aptly.&nbsp;

"At the start of the year, if anyone would have said we will win one, let alone two medals at the Asian Games, I would have laughed it off. It has been that kind of year. Best ever year for me and best ever for Indian table tennis," the veteran told PTI.&nbsp;

The Sharath-led men's team exceeded its own expectations by winning a bronze at the Asian Games in Jakarta after stunning mighty Japan in the quarter-finals.&nbsp;

His younger teammate G Sathiyan delivered under pressure by winning both his singles against higher-ranked opponents.&nbsp;

The dream run did not end there as Sharath and Manika landed a mixed doubles bronze which has given them the belief that they are good enough to win an Olympic medal.&nbsp;

To put the achievement in perspective, it was the first time that India returned home with an Asian Games medal ever since table tennis was introduced in the mega event's program in 1958. The stellar performance forced even the 'invincible' Chinese to take notice.&nbsp;

While the sport took giant strides, a star too was born with Manika pocketing as many as four medals including two historic gold medals in women's team and women's singles.&nbsp;

She beat the then world number four and Olympic medallist, Feng Tianwei of Singapore, twice to step on the top of the podium.

She later added a doubles silver and mixed doubles bronze to her kitty to become the most successful Indian athlete at the Gold Coast Games.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Considering the bar she has set for herself, the world number 52 will have to keep improving to compete with the global best. It was only fitting that she ended the year by becoming the first Indian to win the Breakthrough Star award at the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) awards in Incheon.&nbsp;

Sharath and Sathiyan too ended 2018 on a high as they attained their best ever rankings. Sharath is 30th in the latest list and a place below him is Sathiyan.&nbsp;

"Considering the kind of year we have had, we have to keep performing to maintain the momentum we have got. It is all about preparing for the 2020 Olympics now. Our best chance is in mixed doubles and Manika and I have already planned the roadmap leading up to the Tokyo Games," said Sharath.&nbsp;

Next year will see the players featuring in 14 to 16 events as they aim for the Olympic qualification.&nbsp;

Italian coach Massimo Costantini, who guided India to a record showing in Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, has joined the ITTF and the players need a new coach at the earliest.&nbsp;

"While the TTFI is looking for the best available coach, we are losing momentum. 2019 is an important year ahead of the Olympics and whoever comes in will need at least three months to understand the Indian system. So, it is imperative that the coach is appointed as soon as possible," Sharath added.&nbsp;

While India can now aim for an Olympic medal, it got really close to winning one at the Youth Olympics in Argentina where the young Archana Kamath went down fighting in the bronze medal play-off.&nbsp;

Otherwise, it would have been another historic moment in a truly historic year.&nbsp;

Indian table tennis earned the world's respect in a watershed 2018 when the country won a historic two medals at the Asian Games after Manika Batra's unprecedented showing at the Commonwealth Games.

Indian table tennis earned the world's respect in a watershed 2018 when the country won a historic two medals at the Asian Games after Manika Batra's unprecedented showing at the Commonwealth Games. Sharath Kamal, arguably India's finest player who is still going strong at 36, summed up the year aptly. "At the start of the year, if anyone would have said we will win one, let alone two medals at the Asian Games, I would have laughed it off. It has been that kind of year. Best ever year for me and best ever for Indian table tennis," the veteran told PTI. The Sharath-led men's team exceeded its own expectations by winning a bronze at the Asian Games in Jakarta after stunning mighty Japan in the quarter-finals. His younger teammate G Sathiyan delivered under pressure by winning both his singles against higher-ranked opponents. The dream run did not end there as Sharath and Manika landed a mixed doubles bronze which has given them the belief that they are good enough to win an Olympic medal. To put the achievement in perspective, it was the first time that India returned home with an Asian Games medal ever since table tennis was introduced in the mega event's program in 1958. The stellar performance forced even the 'invincible' Chinese to take notice. While the sport took giant strides, a star too was born with Manika pocketing as many as four medals including two historic gold medals in women's team and women's singles. She beat the then world number four and Olympic medallist, Feng Tianwei of Singapore, twice to step on the top of the podium. She later added a doubles silver and mixed doubles bronze to her kitty to become the most successful Indian athlete at the Gold Coast Games. Considering the bar she has set for herself, the world number 52 will have to keep improving to compete with the global best. It was only fitting that she ended the year by becoming the first Indian to win the Breakthrough Star award at the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) awards in Incheon. Sharath and Sathiyan too ended 2018 on a high as they attained their best ever rankings. Sharath is 30th in the latest list and a place below him is Sathiyan. "Considering the kind of year we have had, we have to keep performing to maintain the momentum we have got. It is all about preparing for the 2020 Olympics now. Our best chance is in mixed doubles and Manika and I have already planned the roadmap leading up to the Tokyo Games," said Sharath. Next year will see the players featuring in 14 to 16 events as they aim for the Olympic qualification. Italian coach Massimo Costantini, who guided India to a record showing in Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, has joined the ITTF and the players need a new coach at the earliest. "While the TTFI is looking for the best available coach, we are losing momentum. 2019 is an important year ahead of the Olympics and whoever comes in will need at least three months to understand the Indian system. So, it is imperative that the coach is appointed as soon as possible," Sharath added. While India can now aim for an Olympic medal, it got really close to winning one at the Youth Olympics in Argentina where the young Archana Kamath went down fighting in the bronze medal play-off. Otherwise, it would have been another historic moment in a truly historic year.

Landmark 2018 fuels Olympic medal hopes for Indian table tennis

As the year grew old, the ages of India's shooting champions got younger and if the medals won and world records owned by the incredibly talented teenagers are anything to go by, better days await the sport.&nbsp;

While the podiums and records are a fair reflection of shooting's unprecedented upswing over the last 12 months, the soaring expectations from its young guns speak volumes about the talent at its disposal.&nbsp;

Manu Bhaker won almost everywhere, the rare blip being her inexplicable meltdown at the Asian Games finals. The 16-year-old girl was favoured to beat women double her age and experience in the showpiece and when the script did not unfold on expected lines, she exited the 25m range teary-eyed.&nbsp;

Heightened expectations from a teenager competing in a top-flight senior event is rare, but the breed that Bhaker belongs to is also rare.&nbsp;

Teen pistol sensation Saurabh Chaudhary, who can now do without an introduction, is a shooter of Bhaker's ilk.&nbsp;

Out of nowhere, Esha Singh, 13, announced her arrival in spectacular fashion, nonchalantly trouncing the established names, Bhaker included, as well as Heena Sidhu on her way to winning three gold medals at the Nationals.&nbsp;

In the same tournament, Mehuli Ghosh's partner in winning the junior mixed team and youth mixed team air rifle events was a 10-year old Abhinav Shaw.&nbsp;

Taking the sport by storm was Chaudhary, who is as young as Jhajjar girl Bhaker and equal in skill and achievements. He not only won medals, he won them in gold, and with records to boost on a couple of occasions.&nbsp;

The teenaged shooters dominated the sport as if they had been pulling the trigger for years.&nbsp;

Anjum Moudgil, Mehuli, Saurabh, Bhaker, Anish and Esha Singh - in descending order of age - are among the string of young talents who made headlines.&nbsp;

The progress has left everyone hopeful of good times ahead, including India's lone individual Olympic gold medallist, Abhinav Bindra.&nbsp;

"In shooting we are pretty developed. There were 27 medals in the World Championship in which we did fantastically well. We just need to keep our heads focused and continue that process," Bindra said recently.&nbsp;

"We seem to be quite fortunate because we have a string of young shooting athletes, coming through day in and day out, and I think that's a very positive sign for the long-term development of shooting," the 36-year-old added.&nbsp;

Saying that the sport enjoyed a phenomenal year, simply riding on the teenagers, would be appropriate.&nbsp;

On her part, Bhaker said, "We saw the youth power this year, it feels really good that teenagers are doing so well and achieving their goals. We have set our goals and are working on that only. It is very surprising that suddenly all of us are doing so well."&nbsp;

Bhaker and Chaudhary became household names, winning five and six international gold medals in the year respectively, including the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Youth Olympic Games, ISSF World Cup (both junior and senior) and Asian Championship Gold medals between them.&nbsp;

The 23-year-old Angad Veer Singh Bajwa did what no other skeet shooter had done before at the Asian Shotgun Championships.&nbsp;

He shot a perfect 60 out of 60 in the final to own the world record, beating the score of 59 achieved multiple times by American two-time Olympic champion, world champion and skeet legend, Vincent Hancock.&nbsp;

Angad had been in and out of the Indian team for more than two years, has come up the junior ranks and has done what no other Indian skeet shooter has ever done - winning an Asian Championship gold and owning the skeet world record.&nbsp;

Given that his teammates Sheeraz Shaikh and Mairaj Khan are also shooting good scores consistently, Angad's achievement bodes well for the future.&nbsp;

Similarly, in rifle, teenagers Mehuli Ghosh and Elavenil Valarivan showed their class by winning a host of medals including gold in the Junior and Senior World Cups and Junior World Championships as well as in the Youth Olympic Games.&nbsp;

The 24-year-old Anjum Moudgil emerged as the country's top woman rifle shooter, winning a World Championship silver and bagging the country's first Tokyo Olympics quota place in the process and then ending with a clean sweep of the air rifle titles at the Shooting Nationals.&nbsp;

Young Akhil Sheoran, 22, also won an ISSF World Cup gold in men's air rifle in the beginning of the year, which means the likes of Deepak Kumar and Ravi Kumar, India team regulars, will be on their toes at all times.&nbsp;

What has also excited shooting enthusiasts is the quality of the bench strength.&nbsp;

India will finish the year with as many as 11 world records, two of them in the senior category.&nbsp;

Away from the range, National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) president Raninder Singh became the first Indian to be elected vice-president of the&nbsp;International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).&nbsp;

The iconic Bindra was conferred the sport's highest honour for his services as the chairman of the apex body's Athletes Committee.&nbsp;

As the year grew old, the ages of India's shooting champions got younger and if the medals won and world records owned by the incredibly talented teenagers are anything to go by, better days await the sport.

As the year grew old, the ages of India's shooting champions got younger and if the medals won and world records owned by the incredibly talented teenagers are anything to go by, better days await the sport. While the podiums and records are a fair reflection of shooting's unprecedented upswing over the last 12 months, the soaring expectations from its young guns speak volumes about the talent at its disposal. Manu Bhaker won almost everywhere, the rare blip being her inexplicable meltdown at the Asian Games finals. The 16-year-old girl was favoured to beat women double her age and experience in the showpiece and when the script did not unfold on expected lines, she exited the 25m range teary-eyed. Heightened expectations from a teenager competing in a top-flight senior event is rare, but the breed that Bhaker belongs to is also rare. Teen pistol sensation Saurabh Chaudhary, who can now do without an introduction, is a shooter of Bhaker's ilk. Out of nowhere, Esha Singh, 13, announced her arrival in spectacular fashion, nonchalantly trouncing the established names, Bhaker included, as well as Heena Sidhu on her way to winning three gold medals at the Nationals. In the same tournament, Mehuli Ghosh's partner in winning the junior mixed team and youth mixed team air rifle events was a 10-year old Abhinav Shaw. Taking the sport by storm was Chaudhary, who is as young as Jhajjar girl Bhaker and equal in skill and achievements. He not only won medals, he won them in gold, and with records to boost on a couple of occasions. The teenaged shooters dominated the sport as if they had been pulling the trigger for years. Anjum Moudgil, Mehuli, Saurabh, Bhaker, Anish and Esha Singh - in descending order of age - are among the string of young talents who made headlines. The progress has left everyone hopeful of good times ahead, including India's lone individual Olympic gold medallist, Abhinav Bindra. "In shooting we are pretty developed. There were 27 medals in the World Championship in which we did fantastically well. We just need to keep our heads focused and continue that process," Bindra said recently. "We seem to be quite fortunate because we have a string of young shooting athletes, coming through day in and day out, and I think that's a very positive sign for the long-term development of shooting," the 36-year-old added. Saying that the sport enjoyed a phenomenal year, simply riding on the teenagers, would be appropriate. On her part, Bhaker said, "We saw the youth power this year, it feels really good that teenagers are doing so well and achieving their goals. We have set our goals and are working on that only. It is very surprising that suddenly all of us are doing so well." Bhaker and Chaudhary became household names, winning five and six international gold medals in the year respectively, including the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Youth Olympic Games, ISSF World Cup (both junior and senior) and Asian Championship Gold medals between them. The 23-year-old Angad Veer Singh Bajwa did what no other skeet shooter had done before at the Asian Shotgun Championships. He shot a perfect 60 out of 60 in the final to own the world record, beating the score of 59 achieved multiple times by American two-time Olympic champion, world champion and skeet legend, Vincent Hancock. Angad had been in and out of the Indian team for more than two years, has come up the junior ranks and has done what no other Indian skeet shooter has ever done - winning an Asian Championship gold and owning the skeet world record. Given that his teammates Sheeraz Shaikh and Mairaj Khan are also shooting good scores consistently, Angad's achievement bodes well for the future. Similarly, in rifle, teenagers Mehuli Ghosh and Elavenil Valarivan showed their class by winning a host of medals including gold in the Junior and Senior World Cups and Junior World Championships as well as in the Youth Olympic Games. The 24-year-old Anjum Moudgil emerged as the country's top woman rifle shooter, winning a World Championship silver and bagging the country's first Tokyo Olympics quota place in the process and then ending with a clean sweep of the air rifle titles at the Shooting Nationals. Young Akhil Sheoran, 22, also won an ISSF World Cup gold in men's air rifle in the beginning of the year, which means the likes of Deepak Kumar and Ravi Kumar, India team regulars, will be on their toes at all times. What has also excited shooting enthusiasts is the quality of the bench strength. India will finish the year with as many as 11 world records, two of them in the senior category. Away from the range, National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) president Raninder Singh became the first Indian to be elected vice-president of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). The iconic Bindra was conferred the sport's highest honour for his services as the chairman of the apex body's Athletes Committee.

Young Indian shooters in 2018: Manu Bhaker, Saurabh Chaudhary, Mehuli Ghosh promise gold rush in future

Star Indian wrestler <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=bajrang+punia">Bajrang Punia</a> on Saturday touched a new high in his career by achieving the number one rank in the world in the 65kg category.&nbsp;

The 24-year-old Bajrang, who has won five medals this season, including CWG and Asian Games gold and a silver at the World Championship, was placed atop the ranking table with 96 points in the UWW list.&nbsp;

It has turned out to be a remarkable season for Bajrang, who was also the only Indian grappler to be given a seeding at the Budapest World Championship.&nbsp;

Bajrang is comfortably leading the table and Cuban Alejandro Enrique Vlades Tobier is a distant second with 66 points. Bajrang had won a close semifinal against Tobier in the Budapest Worlds.&nbsp;

Russia's Akhmed Chakaev (62) is in third place and the new world champion Takuto Otoguro (56) is at number four, followed by Turkey's Selahattin Kilicsallayan (50).&nbsp;

Interestingly, Bajrang is the lone male Indian to figure in top-10 but the country has five female wrestlers who are in top-10 bracket in their respective categories.&nbsp;

Pooja Dhanda, who became only the fourth Indian woman to win a World Championship medal, is now ranked sixth in the women's 57kg with 52 points. She had taken a bronze.&nbsp;

Ritu Phogat completes the top-10 in the women's 50kg, with 33 points.

Sarita Mor is ranked seventh in 59kg with 29 points while Navjot Kaur (32) and Kiran (37) are ninth in 68kg and 76kg category respectively.

Star Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia on Saturday touched a new high in his career by achieving the number one rank in the world in the 65kg category. The 24-year-old Bajrang, who has won five medals this season, including CWG and Asian Games gold and a silver at the World Championship, was placed atop the ranking table with 96 points in the UWW list.

Star Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia on Saturday touched a new high in his career by achieving the number one rank in the world in the 65kg category. The 24-year-old Bajrang, who has won five medals this season, including CWG and Asian Games gold and a silver at the World Championship, was placed atop the ranking table with 96 points in the UWW list. It has turned out to be a remarkable season for Bajrang, who was also the only Indian grappler to be given a seeding at the Budapest World Championship. Bajrang is comfortably leading the table and Cuban Alejandro Enrique Vlades Tobier is a distant second with 66 points. Bajrang had won a close semifinal against Tobier in the Budapest Worlds. Russia's Akhmed Chakaev (62) is in third place and the new world champion Takuto Otoguro (56) is at number four, followed by Turkey's Selahattin Kilicsallayan (50). Interestingly, Bajrang is the lone male Indian to figure in top-10 but the country has five female wrestlers who are in top-10 bracket in their respective categories. Pooja Dhanda, who became only the fourth Indian woman to win a World Championship medal, is now ranked sixth in the women's 57kg with 52 points. She had taken a bronze. Ritu Phogat completes the top-10 in the women's 50kg, with 33 points. Sarita Mor is ranked seventh in 59kg with 29 points while Navjot Kaur (32) and Kiran (37) are ninth in 68kg and 76kg category respectively.

Wrestler Bajrang Punia becomes number one in world in 65kg

India recorded its best-ever showing in the Asian Para Games by bagging 72 medals, including 15 gold, with the shuttlers adding two yellow metals and three bronze on the concluding day of competitions here Saturday.

With 15 gold, 24 silver and 33 bronze medals, India was placed ninth in the overall tally.&nbsp;

China finished on top with 172 gold, 88 silver and 59 bronze for a whopping total of 319 medals. South Korea (53, 45, 47) and Iran (51, 42, 43) were second and third respectively.&nbsp;

This was India's best ever performance, bettering the last edition (2014) tally of 33 medals (3 gold, 14 silver, 16 bronze).

All of India's five medals on Saturday came from badminton.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
It’s amazing to see our para athletes not only create a new medal record but by a distance. The 67 are more than double the previous record. 
This <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsianParaGames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsianParaGames</a> has been fantastic for India!👏🏻 
So proud of each one of them who has contributed to this glory!🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KheloIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KheloIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/xpNEDGP6Cc">pic.twitter.com/xpNEDGP6Cc</a>
— SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI/status/1050953656147857408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In men's singles SL3 class badminton, Pramod Bhagat defeated Ukun Rukaendi of Indonesia 21-19 15-21 21-14 to clinch the gold medal.&nbsp;

Athletes in the SL3 category generally have impairment in one or both lower limbs and poor walking or running balance. Athletes with cerebral palsy, bilateral polio or loss of both legs below the knee compete in half-court (lenghtwise) to minimise the impact of their impairment.&nbsp;

Tarun added another gold for India on the final day of the event by beating Yuyang Gao of China 21-16 21-6 in the men's singles SL4 class.&nbsp;

The SL4 class athletes have a lesser impairment compared to SL 3 and play full-court. Players with impairment in one or both lower limbs, unilateral polio or mild cerebral palsy fall in the SL4 category.&nbsp;

The bronze-winning shuttlers were Manoj Sarkar (men's singles SL3), men's doubles SL3-SL4 pairs of Manoj Sarkar and Pramod Bhagat, and Ananda Kumar Gowda and Nitesh Kumar.&nbsp;

Para-athletics gave India half of the medals (36) with seven gold, 13 silver and 16 bronze. Badminton and chess contributed nine medals each while para-swimming gave eight medals.

India recorded its best-ever showing in the Asian Para Games by bagging 72 medals, including 15 gold, with the shuttlers adding two yellow metals and three bronze on the concluding day of competitions here Saturday.

India recorded its best-ever showing in the Asian Para Games by bagging 72 medals, including 15 gold, with the shuttlers adding two yellow metals and three bronze on the concluding day of competitions here Saturday. With 15 gold, 24 silver and 33 bronze medals, India was placed ninth in the overall tally. China finished on top with 172 gold, 88 silver and 59 bronze for a whopping total of 319 medals. South Korea (53, 45, 47) and Iran (51, 42, 43) were second and third respectively. This was India's best ever performance, bettering the last edition (2014) tally of 33 medals (3 gold, 14 silver, 16 bronze). All of India's five medals on Saturday came from badminton. It’s amazing to see our para athletes not only create a new medal record but by a distance. The 67 are more than double the previous record. This #AsianParaGames has been fantastic for India!👏🏻 So proud of each one of them who has contributed to this glory!🇮🇳 #SAI #KheloIndia pic.twitter.com/xpNEDGP6Cc — SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) October 13, 2018 × In men's singles SL3 class badminton, Pramod Bhagat defeated Ukun Rukaendi of Indonesia 21-19 15-21 21-14 to clinch the gold medal. Athletes in the SL3 category generally have impairment in one or both lower limbs and poor walking or running balance. Athletes with cerebral palsy, bilateral polio or loss of both legs below the knee compete in half-court (lenghtwise) to minimise the impact of their impairment. Tarun added another gold for India on the final day of the event by beating Yuyang Gao of China 21-16 21-6 in the men's singles SL4 class. The SL4 class athletes have a lesser impairment compared to SL 3 and play full-court. Players with impairment in one or both lower limbs, unilateral polio or mild cerebral palsy fall in the SL4 category. The bronze-winning shuttlers were Manoj Sarkar (men's singles SL3), men's doubles SL3-SL4 pairs of Manoj Sarkar and Pramod Bhagat, and Ananda Kumar Gowda and Nitesh Kumar. Para-athletics gave India half of the medals (36) with seven gold, 13 silver and 16 bronze. Badminton and chess contributed nine medals each while para-swimming gave eight medals.

Asian Para Games: With 15 gold, 24 silver, 33 bronze, India ends campaign with best ever performance

Deepa Malik won her second medal at the 2018 Asian Para Games on Friday after winning a bronze in the women's F51/52/53s discus throw event.

Rio Paralympics medallist dedicated her medal to her "father's memory".

After winning the medal, she said, "I'm happy. It's special for me. I dedicate this to my father's memory. Both my medals are special."

"Proud that I won this for my nation. Thankful to Target Olympic Podium Scheme&amp;Paralympic Committee of India," concluded Deepa Malik.

Deepa produced her best effort in her fourth attempt, a 9.67 metre throw to claim the third spot. Elnaz Darabian of Iran took home the gold and set a new Asian record with her best throw of 10.71m. Fatema Nedham of Bahrain won the silver with 9.87m.&nbsp;

The other Indian in the fray, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-para-games-ekta-bhyan-wins-club-throw-gold-for-india-170361">Ekta </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-para-games-ekta-bhyan-wins-club-throw-gold-for-india-170361">Bhyan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-para-games-ekta-bhyan-wins-club-throw-gold-for-india-170361">, who had won the gold</a> in the women's club throw event, finished last in a four-woman field, with a best attempt of 6.52m.&nbsp;

In F51/52/53 category, athletes have full power and movements in their arms, but no power in their abdominal muscles and typically no sitting balance. They compete in seated positions.&nbsp;

Deepa had earlier won a bronze in women's F 53/54 javelin throw event

Deepa Malik won her second medal at the 2018 Asian Para Games on Friday after winning a bronze in the women's F51/52/53s discus throw event. Rio Paralympics medallist dedicated her medal to her "father's memory".

Deepa Malik won her second medal at the 2018 Asian Para Games on Friday after winning a bronze in the women's F51/52/53s discus throw event. Rio Paralympics medallist dedicated her medal to her "father's memory". After winning the medal, she said, "I'm happy. It's special for me. I dedicate this to my father's memory. Both my medals are special." "Proud that I won this for my nation. Thankful to Target Olympic Podium Scheme&Paralympic Committee of India," concluded Deepa Malik. Deepa produced her best effort in her fourth attempt, a 9.67 metre throw to claim the third spot. Elnaz Darabian of Iran took home the gold and set a new Asian record with her best throw of 10.71m. Fatema Nedham of Bahrain won the silver with 9.87m. The other Indian in the fray, Ekta Bhyan, who had won the gold in the women's club throw event, finished last in a four-woman field, with a best attempt of 6.52m. In F51/52/53 category, athletes have full power and movements in their arms, but no power in their abdominal muscles and typically no sitting balance. They compete in seated positions. Deepa had earlier won a bronze in women's F 53/54 javelin throw event

Asian Para Games: Deepa Malik wins bronze in discus throw event

Ekta Bhyan won India's fourth gold at the Asian Para Games by topping the women's club throw event here on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Bhyan produced her best throw in her fourth attempt, 16.02m, winning the F32/51 event ahead of UAE's Alkaabi Thekra, who threw 15.75m.&nbsp;

The F32/51 class features athletes with significant impairment in hand function.&nbsp;

Bhyan had come into the competition on the back of a gold in the Indian Open Para Athletics Championship earlier this year.

India also secured three bronze medals on Tuesday courtesy Jayanti Behera, Anandan Gunasekaran and Monu Ghangas.&nbsp;

Ghangas finished third in the men's shot put F11, which covers vision impairment, and Gunasekaran in men's 200m T44/62/64 class, which deals with impairment in foot, ankle and/or lower leg but the athletes compete without prothesis.&nbsp;

Behera bagged the bronze in the women's 200m T45/46/47 event which is for athletes with limb impairment.&nbsp;

On Monday, Javelin thrower Sandeep Chaudhary produced a stunning world record effort as India bagged 11 medals, including three gold, on a productive day.&nbsp;

Ekta Bhyan won India's fourth gold at the Asian Para Games by topping the women's club throw event here on Tuesday. Bhyan produced her best throw in her fourth attempt, 16.

Ekta Bhyan won India's fourth gold at the Asian Para Games by topping the women's club throw event here on Tuesday. Bhyan produced her best throw in her fourth attempt, 16.02m, winning the F32/51 event ahead of UAE's Alkaabi Thekra, who threw 15.75m. The F32/51 class features athletes with significant impairment in hand function. Bhyan had come into the competition on the back of a gold in the Indian Open Para Athletics Championship earlier this year. India also secured three bronze medals on Tuesday courtesy Jayanti Behera, Anandan Gunasekaran and Monu Ghangas. Ghangas finished third in the men's shot put F11, which covers vision impairment, and Gunasekaran in men's 200m T44/62/64 class, which deals with impairment in foot, ankle and/or lower leg but the athletes compete without prothesis. Behera bagged the bronze in the women's 200m T45/46/47 event which is for athletes with limb impairment. On Monday, Javelin thrower Sandeep Chaudhary produced a stunning world record effort as India bagged 11 medals, including three gold, on a productive day.

Asian Para Games: Ekta Bhyan wins club throw gold for India

India opened its Para Asian Games campaign in style by bagging two silver and three bronze medals on the opening day here Sunday.&nbsp;

The men's badminton team opened the country's medal account after narrowly losing to Malaysia 1- 2 in the semi-finals to settle for a bronze.&nbsp;

The tie began on a promising note when Suhas Yathiraj won the first individual match beating Omar Bakri 21-8, 21-7. But Indian doubles pair of Raj Kumar and Tarun lost to Cheah Honn and Saaba Hainul 9-21, 8-21.&nbsp;

In the crucial final singles, Chirag Baratha went down to Mohammad Ahmad 14-32, 15-21 to lose the tie 1-2.

In the 49 kg men's powerlifting event, Farman Basha claimed the silver and Paramjeet Kumar won the bronze. The gold went to Pia Laophalkdee of Laos for his effort of 133 kg.&nbsp;

Farman lifted 128 kg while Paramjeet had 127 kg.&nbsp;

The medals continued to come India's way as swimmers Devanshi Satijawon picked up a silver in women's 100-metre butterfly in S-10 category and Suyash Jadhav clinched the bronze in the men's 200-metre individual medley in SM-7 category.

The Boccia team, which is competing for the first time at the Asian Para Games, also emerged victorious as they got the better of hosts Indonesia in their first group match 5-3.

In chess, all the Indians won their ties with visually impaired Prachurya Kumar Pradhan sealing his victory over Domingos Savio Fernandes Gusmao from Timor Leste in less than 15 minutes.

"The match went well and fast. I defeated my opponent in just 10-15 minutes," said Pradhan, who underwent a week-long training camp in preparation for the Games.

India opened its Para Asian Games campaign in style by bagging two silver and three bronze medals on the opening day here Sunday. The men's badminton team opened the country's medal account after narrowly losing to Malaysia 1- 2 in the semi-finals to settle for a bronze.

India opened its Para Asian Games campaign in style by bagging two silver and three bronze medals on the opening day here Sunday. The men's badminton team opened the country's medal account after narrowly losing to Malaysia 1- 2 in the semi-finals to settle for a bronze. The tie began on a promising note when Suhas Yathiraj won the first individual match beating Omar Bakri 21-8, 21-7. But Indian doubles pair of Raj Kumar and Tarun lost to Cheah Honn and Saaba Hainul 9-21, 8-21. In the crucial final singles, Chirag Baratha went down to Mohammad Ahmad 14-32, 15-21 to lose the tie 1-2. In the 49 kg men's powerlifting event, Farman Basha claimed the silver and Paramjeet Kumar won the bronze. The gold went to Pia Laophalkdee of Laos for his effort of 133 kg. Farman lifted 128 kg while Paramjeet had 127 kg. The medals continued to come India's way as swimmers Devanshi Satijawon picked up a silver in women's 100-metre butterfly in S-10 category and Suyash Jadhav clinched the bronze in the men's 200-metre individual medley in SM-7 category. The Boccia team, which is competing for the first time at the Asian Para Games, also emerged victorious as they got the better of hosts Indonesia in their first group match 5-3. In chess, all the Indians won their ties with visually impaired Prachurya Kumar Pradhan sealing his victory over Domingos Savio Fernandes Gusmao from Timor Leste in less than 15 minutes. "The match went well and fast. I defeated my opponent in just 10-15 minutes," said Pradhan, who underwent a week-long training camp in preparation for the Games.

Para Asian Games: India bags 5 medals on opening day

Dipa Karmakar has recovered well following a knee injury that forced her to withdraw from the 21st edition of the Commonwealth Games.

Indian gymnast said that she is looking forward to give her absolute best and stand on people's expectation in the upcoming Asian Games.

Karmakar suffered a knee injury while practicing for the trails of Asian Championships 2017.&nbsp

She immediately underwent an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) surgery in April last year and has been out of action since then.

She also opted to skip 2018 edition of the Commonwealth Games, where she bagged a bronze medal in 2014.

Speaking about the same, the 24-year-old said that she is absolutely fit now and that she and her coach Bishweshwar Nandi are looking for a good show in the upcoming events.

"I am absolutely fit. I will try my best to give good performance. I and coach are working hard for the same. We are practicing vault. We are hopeful to perform well and do something good at the Asian Games. Injury is a part and parcel of the sport, especially in Gymnastic. I have recovered well following an injury and now I am concentrating entirely on my practice," Karmakar said.

When asked why she opted to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games, Karmakar reiterated that she didn`t want to risk her injury knowing that there are many other crucial events coming in.

"I did not play in Commonwealth Games because I did not want to risk my injury. I might have bagged the medal, had I participated in the event. However, it was important to recover from my injury first. I did not want to spoil upcoming important events like 2020 Olympic qualification and Asian Games as well as World Championship in 2019 because of one tournament. That is why I withdrew from Commonwealth Games," she said.

Karmakar, who also won a bronze medal at the 2014 Asian Championships, created history when she became the first Indian gymnast to enter the final on her debut at the quadrennial multi-discipline games after finishing eighth in the qualifying round.

the Asian Games is slated to be held from August 18 and will run till September 2 in Indonesia. 
&nbsp

Karmakar suffered a knee injury while practicing for the trails of Asian Championships 2017.

Dipa Karmakar has recovered well following a knee injury that forced her to withdraw from the 21st edition of the Commonwealth Games. Indian gymnast said that she is looking forward to give her absolute best and stand on people's expectation in the upcoming Asian Games. Karmakar suffered a knee injury while practicing for the trails of Asian Championships 2017. She immediately underwent an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) surgery in April last year and has been out of action since then. She also opted to skip 2018 edition of the Commonwealth Games, where she bagged a bronze medal in 2014. Speaking about the same, the 24-year-old said that she is absolutely fit now and that she and her coach Bishweshwar Nandi are looking for a good show in the upcoming events. "I am absolutely fit. I will try my best to give good performance. I and coach are working hard for the same. We are practicing vault. We are hopeful to perform well and do something good at the Asian Games. Injury is a part and parcel of the sport, especially in Gymnastic. I have recovered well following an injury and now I am concentrating entirely on my practice," Karmakar said. When asked why she opted to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games, Karmakar reiterated that she didn`t want to risk her injury knowing that there are many other crucial events coming in. "I did not play in Commonwealth Games because I did not want to risk my injury. I might have bagged the medal, had I participated in the event. However, it was important to recover from my injury first. I did not want to spoil upcoming important events like 2020 Olympic qualification and Asian Games as well as World Championship in 2019 because of one tournament. That is why I withdrew from Commonwealth Games," she said. Karmakar, who also won a bronze medal at the 2014 Asian Championships, created history when she became the first Indian gymnast to enter the final on her debut at the quadrennial multi-discipline games after finishing eighth in the qualifying round. the Asian Games is slated to be held from August 18 and will run till September 2 in Indonesia.

Dipa Karmakar recovers from knee injury, hopes to give her best in Asian Games

Indian Boxer champion MC Mary Kom&nbspentered women's 48-kilogram&nbspboxing competition semifinal of the 21 Commonwealth Games with the women's 48 kilograms.

The five-time world champion May Kom had a victory over Megan Gordon of Scotland on Sunday.

Mary Kom entering seminals confirms a bronze medal for her.

Mary Kom dominated her opponent throughout&nbspthe match to claim a unanimous 5-0 verdict&nbspat the Oxenford Boxing studios.

Her entry into the last four stage has confirmed a bronze medal for Mary Kom.

Though Mary Kom has alreayd won five world Chmapionship gold medal, five medals in Asian Championships, bronze in Olympics and gold in Asian games but she is yet add Commonwealth games feather in her hat.

Women's boxing was first introduced in 2014 at Glasgow&nbsp

But a Commonwealth Games medal has eluded her as she did not qualify when women’s boxing was first introduced in 2014 at Glasgow, Scotland. However, that time she didn't qualify for the Commonwealth Games.

The five-time world champion May Kom had a victory over Megan Gordon of Scotland on Sunday.

Indian Boxer champion MC Mary Kom&nbspentered women's 48-kilogram&nbspboxing competition semifinal of the 21 Commonwealth Games with the women's 48 kilograms. The five-time world champion May Kom had a victory over Megan Gordon of Scotland on Sunday. Mary Kom entering seminals confirms a bronze medal for her. Mary Kom dominated her opponent throughout&nbspthe match to claim a unanimous 5-0 verdict&nbspat the Oxenford Boxing studios. Her entry into the last four stage has confirmed a bronze medal for Mary Kom. Though Mary Kom has alreayd won five world Chmapionship gold medal, five medals in Asian Championships, bronze in Olympics and gold in Asian games but she is yet add Commonwealth games feather in her hat. Women's boxing was first introduced in 2014 at Glasgow But a Commonwealth Games medal has eluded her as she did not qualify when women’s boxing was first introduced in 2014 at Glasgow, Scotland. However, that time she didn't qualify for the Commonwealth Games.

Mary Kom enters Commonwealth Games semifinal

North Korea could co-host the 2021 Winter Asian Games with the South, a top Pyongyang sports&nbsp;official said Tuesday as the two countries&#39; unified ice hockey team played its last Olympic match.

The Pyeongchang Olympics in the South has seen the North engage in a charm offensive, sending athletes, cheerleaders, and its leader Kim Jong Un&#39;s sister to attend the Games and meet with President Moon Jae-in.

It is a marked contrast to the tensions of last year when the nuclear-armed North carried out a barrage of missile tests and its biggest atomic blast to date.

The governor of Gangwon province, which includes Pyeongchang, said at the weekend he was considering a bid for the two Koreas to co-host the 2021 Winter Asian Games, adding the North&#39;s Masikryong ski resort could be used.

Chang Ung, the North Korean member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said the idea was &quot;sufficiently possible&quot;.

&quot;Since a smaller number of countries participates in the Asian Games, it would be easier than the Olympics,&quot; he was quoted by Yonhap news agency as saying in Beijing on his way back to Pyongyang.

But the previous speculation about the two co-hosting sporting events has gone nowhere.

Chang praised the Pyeongchang Games as &quot;perfect&quot;, adding: &quot;The Olympics are a great success, thanks to unity achieved by the Korean people.&quot;

The Asian Winter Games take place every four years, with the hosts for the 2021 event to be chosen at this year&#39;s Summer Asian Games in Indonesia in August.

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A top Pyongyang sports official said North Korea could co-host the 2021 Winter Asian Games with the South

North Korea could co-host the 2021 Winter Asian Games with the South, a top Pyongyang sports official said Tuesday as the two countries' unified ice hockey team played its last Olympic match. The Pyeongchang Olympics in the South has seen the North engage in a charm offensive, sending athletes, cheerleaders, and its leader Kim Jong Un's sister to attend the Games and meet with President Moon Jae-in. It is a marked contrast to the tensions of last year when the nuclear-armed North carried out a barrage of missile tests and its biggest atomic blast to date. The governor of Gangwon province, which includes Pyeongchang, said at the weekend he was considering a bid for the two Koreas to co-host the 2021 Winter Asian Games, adding the North's Masikryong ski resort could be used. Chang Ung, the North Korean member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said the idea was "sufficiently possible". "Since a smaller number of countries participates in the Asian Games, it would be easier than the Olympics," he was quoted by Yonhap news agency as saying in Beijing on his way back to Pyongyang. But the previous speculation about the two co-hosting sporting events has gone nowhere. Chang praised the Pyeongchang Games as "perfect", adding: "The Olympics are a great success, thanks to unity achieved by the Korean people." The Asian Winter Games take place every four years, with the hosts for the 2021 event to be chosen at this year's Summer Asian Games in Indonesia in August.

Two Koreas 'could co-host winter Asiad', says sports official

Failure is hard to digest. This is exactly what once happened to the newly crowned weightlifting world champion Saikhom Mirabai Chanu.

Mirabai, who brought laurels to the country by clinching a Gold medal at the World Weightlifting Championships last month, actually thought of quitting the sport after receiving flak for her failure to win a medal at the Rio Olympics.

&quot;I was really low after the Olympics. It took me a lot of time to get over the disappointment. I even thought of giving up the sport and stop training. The comments in social media, the criticism against my coach really hurt me,&quot; said Chanu, as reported by PTI.

To overcome the failure at the Olympics, Chanu left no stone unturned and worked on her technique and even went for regular sessions to her psychologist.

&quot;My psychologist also played a big role. I used to go to my psychologist twice in a month but after the Olympics, I started taking sessions every week and it really helped me,&quot; she added as per PTI.

In Rio 2016, Chanu had put up a disappointing performance as she could not get an overall total in women&#39;s 48 kg, after failing to lift the weight in any of her three attempts in clean and jerk section.

But now, after taking India to new heights, Chanu eyes the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games scheduled to take place next year.

Chanu went for regular sessions to a psychologist to get over the Rio loss

Failure is hard to digest. This is exactly what once happened to the newly crowned weightlifting world champion Saikhom Mirabai Chanu. Mirabai, who brought laurels to the country by clinching a Gold medal at the World Weightlifting Championships last month, actually thought of quitting the sport after receiving flak for her failure to win a medal at the Rio Olympics. "I was really low after the Olympics. It took me a lot of time to get over the disappointment. I even thought of giving up the sport and stop training. The comments in social media, the criticism against my coach really hurt me," said Chanu, as reported by PTI. To overcome the failure at the Olympics, Chanu left no stone unturned and worked on her technique and even went for regular sessions to her psychologist. "My psychologist also played a big role. I used to go to my psychologist twice in a month but after the Olympics, I started taking sessions every week and it really helped me," she added as per PTI. In Rio 2016, Chanu had put up a disappointing performance as she could not get an overall total in women's 48 kg, after failing to lift the weight in any of her three attempts in clean and jerk section. But now, after taking India to new heights, Chanu eyes the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games scheduled to take place next year.

'Thought to quit after Rio loss,' says Weightlifting World Champion Mirabai Chanu

Australia hopes to bring a full delegation of athletes to the 2022 Asian Summer Games in China and is seeking approval from the continent&#39;s Olympic council, Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) President John Coates has said.

Australia, a member of the Oceania Olympic federation, has sent 30 athletes to the ongoing Asian Winter Games in Japan&#39;s northern city of Sapporo as a &quot;guest&quot; delegation following an invitation from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

Coates said it was too late for Australia to compete in next year&#39;s Summer Games in Indonesia but their bid for inclusion at the 2022 event in China&#39;s eastern city of Hangzhou would be tabled at an OCA meeting in September.

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<h5>&#39;I believe participating in the Asian Games would be very good for us,&#39; said Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates</h5>
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&ldquo;Discussions are underway and I believe there would be great interest in the Asian Games amongst our member sports,&rdquo; Coates told News Ltd media.

&ldquo;Particularly in sports where the Asian countries are strong (such as) gymnastics, badminton and table tennis.

&quot;I believe participating in the Asian Games would be very good for us.&quot;

The Asian Games, the biggest multi-sport event after the Olympics, will have 45 OCA member countries competing in 2018.

Australia participates in the quadrennial Commonwealth Games and will host the 2018 event in the Gold Coast.

Both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games are scheduled for 2022, presenting a logistical challenge should Australia hope to send athletes to both.

Australia has long sought closer sporting ties with Asia to expose their athletes to stiffer competition from the likes of China, Japan and South Korea.

In 2006, Australia&#39;s national soccer body left Oceania to join the Asian Football Confederation, a move that has helped generate interest in the game Down Under.

Australia qualified for the 2010 and 2014 soccer World Cups through Asian qualifying and hosted the 2015 Asian Cup.

(Reuters)

It has sent 30 athletes to the ongoing Asian Winter Games in Sapporo, Japan as a 'guest' delegation

Australia hopes to bring a full delegation of athletes to the 2022 Asian Summer Games in China and is seeking approval from the continent's Olympic council, Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) President John Coates has said. Australia, a member of the Oceania Olympic federation, has sent 30 athletes to the ongoing Asian Winter Games in Japan's northern city of Sapporo as a "guest" delegation following an invitation from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). Coates said it was too late for Australia to compete in next year's Summer Games in Indonesia but their bid for inclusion at the 2022 event in China's eastern city of Hangzhou would be tabled at an OCA meeting in September. 'I believe participating in the Asian Games would be very good for us,' said Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates × “Discussions are underway and I believe there would be great interest in the Asian Games amongst our member sports,” Coates told News Ltd media. “Particularly in sports where the Asian countries are strong (such as) gymnastics, badminton and table tennis. "I believe participating in the Asian Games would be very good for us." The Asian Games, the biggest multi-sport event after the Olympics, will have 45 OCA member countries competing in 2018. Australia participates in the quadrennial Commonwealth Games and will host the 2018 event in the Gold Coast. Both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games are scheduled for 2022, presenting a logistical challenge should Australia hope to send athletes to both. Australia has long sought closer sporting ties with Asia to expose their athletes to stiffer competition from the likes of China, Japan and South Korea. In 2006, Australia's national soccer body left Oceania to join the Asian Football Confederation, a move that has helped generate interest in the game Down Under. Australia qualified for the 2010 and 2014 soccer World Cups through Asian qualifying and hosted the 2015 Asian Cup. (Reuters)

Australia seeks full inclusion in Asian Summer Games

Santhi&nbsp;Soundarajan was in the wilderness for ten years after she failed a gender test.

In 2006, Soundarajan was the toast of the nation after winning an Asian Games silver medal in the 800m event. But the euphoria was shortlived as she was stripped of her medal when she was diagnosed with&nbsp;hyperandrogenism, a medical condition characterised by excessive male hormones.

For the next decade, she languished&nbsp;in the heart of darkness -- she tried to end her life, saw her prize money not being disbursed by the government and was denied a job under the sports quota. Until the high court stepped in.&nbsp;

On 29 July 2015, The Madras High Court directed the state government to consider Soundarajan&#39;s plea for relaxation in educational qualifications and help her become a coach.&nbsp;

Fast-track five months, Soundarajan received the news that the government has given her a coaching job at the&nbsp;state sports development authority.

&quot;I&#39;m very happy that they have given me a job offer. I would like to thank the Tamil Nadu government and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu. I would be coaching women athletes. I will start working from&nbsp;Thursday&nbsp;onwards,&quot; said the elated athlete, who won 12 medals at the international level.

&quot;I thank everyone who stood by me in trying times,&quot; The News Minute quoted her as saying.

Soundarajan&#39;s case underscores gender insensitivity in India&#39;s sports fraternity. Not only was she shunned by the administration, she was perilously&nbsp;close to the subsistence minimum level all these years despite the multiple accolades she won for the country.

In sharp contrast, the celebrated middle-distance runner from South Africa, Caster Semenya, was vociferously backed by her country when she failed a similar gender test. The support was so overwhelming that she was given the prestigious responsibility of being her country&#39;s flag-bearer in London 2012.

Last month, Soundarajan tweeted: &quot;No woman should undergo what i&nbsp;(sic) underwent. I was humiliated on world stage, my country did not stand for me but I love my country for no reason.&quot;&nbsp;

(WION)

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The middle-distance runner, who failed a gender test in 2006, took 10 years to bag a government job & only because the high court stepped in

Santhi Soundarajan was in the wilderness for ten years after she failed a gender test. In 2006, Soundarajan was the toast of the nation after winning an Asian Games silver medal in the 800m event. But the euphoria was shortlived as she was stripped of her medal when she was diagnosed with hyperandrogenism, a medical condition characterised by excessive male hormones. For the next decade, she languished in the heart of darkness -- she tried to end her life, saw her prize money not being disbursed by the government and was denied a job under the sports quota. Until the high court stepped in. On 29 July 2015, The Madras High Court directed the state government to consider Soundarajan's plea for relaxation in educational qualifications and help her become a coach. Fast-track five months, Soundarajan received the news that the government has given her a coaching job at the state sports development authority. "I'm very happy that they have given me a job offer. I would like to thank the Tamil Nadu government and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu. I would be coaching women athletes. I will start working from Thursday onwards," said the elated athlete, who won 12 medals at the international level. "I thank everyone who stood by me in trying times," The News Minute quoted her as saying. Soundarajan's case underscores gender insensitivity in India's sports fraternity. Not only was she shunned by the administration, she was perilously close to the subsistence minimum level all these years despite the multiple accolades she won for the country. In sharp contrast, the celebrated middle-distance runner from South Africa, Caster Semenya, was vociferously backed by her country when she failed a similar gender test. The support was so overwhelming that she was given the prestigious responsibility of being her country's flag-bearer in London 2012. Last month, Soundarajan tweeted: "No woman should undergo what i (sic) underwent. I was humiliated on world stage, my country did not stand for me but I love my country for no reason." (WION)

Santhi Soundarajan: Silver lining after a decade in wilderness

Indian sprinter Dutee Chand made the cut for the women&#39;s 100m at the Rio Olympics today, less than a year after she was cleared to race following the Court of Arbitration for Sport&#39;s (CAS) ruling on gender testing guidelines. 
 
The Lausanne-based court suspended the governing International Association of Athletics Federations&#39; (IAAF) regulations regarding hyperandrogenism, a condition which produces high testosterone levels, for two years. 
 
It cleared the way for Chand to compete again in both domestic and international events after she was forced to sit out about a year of competition. 
 
She clocked a national record 11.30 seconds in the 100m heats at the G. Kosanov Memorial Meet in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to qualify for the Rio Games, the qualifying mark for which was set at 11.32. 
 
&quot;I am really happy at the moment,&quot; she said in a statement. &quot;It has been a tough year for me and I am so happy that my coach ... and my hard work has paid off.&nbsp;I would like to thank all the people in India who were praying for me to qualify. Your wishes have paid off.&quot; 
 
The daughter of weavers from Odisha, Chand was dropped from India&#39;s contingent for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games in Incheon after her naturally-occurring testosterone levels were found to be in breach of IAAF&#39;s guidelines. 
 
She was advised to have surgery and take medication, but instead decided to challenge the guidelines at CAS, who asked the IAAF to present scientific evidence proving enhanced testosterone levels improved performance in hyperandrogenic athletes. 
 
South Africa&#39;s former world champion 800m runner Caster Semenya was also subjected to gender testing by the IAAF before being cleared to compete as a woman. 
 
The Rio Olympics take place from August 5-21. 
 
(Reuters)

Chand was dropped from Glasgow Commonwealth Games and Asian Games after her high testosterone levels were found

Indian sprinter Dutee Chand made the cut for the women's 100m at the Rio Olympics today, less than a year after she was cleared to race following the Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) ruling on gender testing guidelines. The Lausanne-based court suspended the governing International Association of Athletics Federations' (IAAF) regulations regarding hyperandrogenism, a condition which produces high testosterone levels, for two years. It cleared the way for Chand to compete again in both domestic and international events after she was forced to sit out about a year of competition. She clocked a national record 11.30 seconds in the 100m heats at the G. Kosanov Memorial Meet in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to qualify for the Rio Games, the qualifying mark for which was set at 11.32. "I am really happy at the moment," she said in a statement. "It has been a tough year for me and I am so happy that my coach ... and my hard work has paid off. I would like to thank all the people in India who were praying for me to qualify. Your wishes have paid off." The daughter of weavers from Odisha, Chand was dropped from India's contingent for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games in Incheon after her naturally-occurring testosterone levels were found to be in breach of IAAF's guidelines. She was advised to have surgery and take medication, but instead decided to challenge the guidelines at CAS, who asked the IAAF to present scientific evidence proving enhanced testosterone levels improved performance in hyperandrogenic athletes. South Africa's former world champion 800m runner Caster Semenya was also subjected to gender testing by the IAAF before being cleared to compete as a woman. The Rio Olympics take place from August 5-21. (Reuters)

Indian sprinter Dutee Chand qualifies for Rio Olympics following ruling on gender testing

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