India Crosses 50-Medal Mark at Hangzhou Asian Games; Avinash Sable and Tajinderpal Singh Toor Secure Golds
India’s remarkable performance at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games reached a new high on October 1, 2023, as the nation crossed the 50-medal mark on Day 8 of the competition. Indian athletes secured multiple podium finishes, with key gold medals won by steeplechase runner Avinash Sable and shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor, highlighting India’s growing prowess in athletics.
Avinash Sable made history by becoming the first Indian man to clinch the gold medal in the 3000m steeplechase at the Asian Games. The 29-year-old national record holder delivered a sensational performance, finishing the race in 8:19.50 seconds to secure India’s first gold medal in athletics at the Hangzhou Games.
Meanwhile, Tajinderpal Singh Toor successfully defended his title in the men’s shot put, overcoming stiff competition with a mighty final throw. His gold-medal-winning throw of 20.36 meters came in his sixth and last attempt, surpassing his Saudi Arabian rival, Mohamed Daouda Tolo, who managed a throw of 20.18 meters. Toor’s victory solidified his status as one of Asia’s top shot-putters, having previously won gold at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games.
Avinash Sable: A Historic Victory in Steeplechase
Avinash Sable’s gold medal in the 3000m steeplechase is a significant moment for Indian athletics. Sable has been a consistent performer on the international stage, holding the national record in the steeplechase and representing India at various global events, including the World Athletics Championships. His victory at the Asian Games marks a milestone in his career, as well as a breakthrough for India in long-distance running.
Sable led the race from the front and maintained a steady pace, eventually outpacing his rivals to finish with a time of 8:19.50 seconds. His performance not only secured the gold for India but also set a new benchmark for future athletes in this discipline. Sable’s success has been widely celebrated as a testament to his dedication and hard work, with Indian sports fans and officials hailing him as a national hero.
Tajinderpal Singh Toor: A Champion Defends His Crown
Tajinderpal Singh Toor’s victory in the shot put was another highlight for India on Day 8 of the Hangzhou Asian Games. The 28-year-old athlete, who won gold in the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, once again proved his mettle with a stunning final throw of 20.36 meters. Toor had been trailing his Saudi Arabian competitor, Mohamed Daouda Tolo, for most of the event, but his powerful last attempt secured him the gold medal by a margin of 18 centimeters.
Toor’s ability to deliver under pressure was evident as he saved his best throw for the final round. His win marked India’s second gold in athletics on Day 8 and underscored the country’s growing strength in field events. Toor’s consistency in shot put over the years has made him a key figure in Indian athletics, and his victory in Hangzhou reaffirms his dominance in Asia.
More Medals for India in Track Events
In addition to the gold medals won by Sable and Toor, India’s athletes continued to impress in the track events. In the women’s 1500m race, Harmilan Bains secured a silver medal with a strong finish, adding to India’s growing medal tally. Her performance was lauded as a significant achievement in middle-distance running.
The men’s 1500m race also saw a double podium finish for India, with Ajay Kumar Saroj winning silver and Jinson Johnson taking home the bronze. Both athletes delivered commendable performances, ensuring that India remained a formidable force in middle-distance running events at the Asian Games.
With these wins, India crossed the 50-medal mark at the Hangzhou Asian Games, reflecting the nation’s improved performance across multiple sports disciplines. As the Games progress, India looks poised to add more medals to its tally and strengthen its standing in international sports.
