India to send 634 athletes to Asian Games; wrestler Bajrang Punia figures in list
sportspersons were on Friday cleared by the Sports Ministry to compete at the Hangzhou Asian Games, surpassing the 572 athletes in the last edition of continental showpiece in Jakarta in 2018. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had recommended 850 athletes for event to be held in Hangzhou from September 23.
Track and field events have got the pride of place as 65 athletes — 34 men and 31 women — are part of the huge contingent.
Sportspersons in 38 disciplines have been cleared, with a total of 44 footballers — 22 players in men's and women's sections respectively — figuring in the list.
Hockey constitutes the third-highest number of athletes at 36, with the ministry clearing 18 players each in the men's and women's sections.
The list also includes the men's and women's cricket teams, comprising 15 members each respectively.
Shooting sport, in which India has performed consistently in the continental showpiece, will see a big 30-member contingent competing in Hangzhou, while a 33-member sailing contingent has also been cleared.
The ministry has not cleared any male athlete in weightlifting, gymnastics, handball and rugby.
