The Asian Games, commencing in Hangzhou, China, a year later than planned due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will feature a roster of top athletes looking to make their mark ahead of the Paris Olympics. Here are some standout athletes to watch:
1. Mutaz Barshim – Athletics, High Jump: Barshim, who claimed Qatar’s first Olympic track and field gold medal at the Tokyo Games (shared with Italian Gianmarco Tamberi), has a history of dominating the Asian Games. He previously won gold as a teenager in 2010 and defended his title four years later. With the second-highest jump in history (2.43m), Barshim will aim to showcase his prowess once again.
2. Qin Haiyang – Swimming: China’s Qin achieved a remarkable feat by winning the men’s 50, 100, and 200m breaststroke events at the world championships in Fukuoka. He also set a new world record in the 200m breaststroke. Qin now eyes British great Adam Peaty’s 100m world record as he prepares for the Paris Olympics.
3. Neeraj Chopra – Athletics, Javelin: India’s Neeraj Chopra ended his country’s long wait for an Olympic champion in track and field at the Tokyo Games. He followed up with a gold medal at the athletics world championships in Budapest. As the reigning Asian Games champion, Chopra is set to defend his title against Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem.
4. Yin Ruoning – Golf: Yin Ruoning, the recently crowned women’s world number one, is no stranger to the Asian Games, having won team bronze in 2018 as a teenage schoolgirl. Yin is in excellent form, securing her first major win at the Women’s PGA Championship and her maiden LPGA Tour victory. She will compete in both individual and team events.
5. ‘Faker’ (Lee Sang-hyeok) – Esports: South Korea’s Lee Sang-hyeok, known as ‘Faker,’ is a legend in the esports world. He will be a significant drawcard as esports makes its Asian Games debut as a medal event. Faker, dubbed the ‘Michael Jordan of esports,’ specializes in ‘League of Legends’ and will anchor South Korea’s quest for gold in the team event.
6. Bakhodir Jalolov – Boxing: Uzbekistan’s towering southpaw, Bakhodir Jalolov, clinched the super-heavyweight gold at the Tokyo Olympics and boasts an unbeaten professional record. He will be a strong favorite to win gold in the super-heavyweight division in Hangzhou as he aims to defend his Olympic title in Paris.
These athletes will look to leave their mark at the Asian Games, providing a glimpse of their potential ahead of the upcoming Paris Olympics.
