Asian Games: Kiran Baliyan Wins India’s 1st Athletics Medal; India, Pakistan In Men’s Squash Final

New Delhi: Athletics, the marquee sport of any multi-discipline event, got underway at the Hangzhou Asian Games on Friday. And India opened their account in track and field with a bronze medal in women’s shot put.

Kiran Baliyan finished third with her best throw out of six attempts being 16.31 metres. Chinese athletes led the podium standings with a 1-2 finish.

India’s medal count thus went up to 33 with 8 gold, 12 silver and 13 bronze. China, South Korea and Japan occupy the top three places.

The Athletics Federation of India has set a target of 25 medals for 2023 Asian Games. All eyes will be on Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra who will compete in javelin next week.

In men’s squash, the stage is set for a battle royale in the gold-medal clash tomorrow afternoon.

India knocked out defending champions Malaysia 2-0 in the semifinal on Friday, while Pakistan overcame Hing Kong.