(Credit- The Bridge)
Given that the 19th Asian Games are in progress, here are our favourite moments from the tournament's history.
Hangzhou is hosting the 19th Asian Games gracefully, and countries are already laying their markers in the biggest sporting event in Asia. Courtesy of indomitable athletes and sportspeople, there have been several unforgettable moments that fans cherish to date. As the tournament knocks on the door, let's revisit some of the iconic moments in the annals of Asian Games history.
The torch lighting ceremony of the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi, India, was iconic in Indian sporting history. As a tribute to his accomplishments throughout his career, Milkha Singh, 'The Flying Sikh' of India, was invited to light the cauldron to mark the start of the Asian Games.
This moment was particularly memorable for the spectators at the time, as Milkha was the symbol of inspiration and pride for India. The participation of the remarkable sportsperson, along with the presence of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, made the event iconic in Indian sports and forever etched in the minds of those in attendance.
Ma Wenguang, representing the host nation at the Asian Games in 1990, accomplished a significant milestone in the snatch weightlifting category. Competing in the men's 60 kilogrammes (kg) category, he notched a then-world record by lifting an astounding amount of weight.
This marked the host nation's dominance in weightlifting in the competition and on the international stage. This achievement not only earned him a gold medal but also helped inspire talented fellow countrymen to pursue the sport and grow the country's reputation in the era.
Guo Jingjing achieved a remarkable feat in the Asian Games at Busan by getting a perfect ten on all three dives. Alongside securing the gold medal, she set a new record for the highest aggregate score in the history of the Asian Games.
Her exceptional diving skills made Guo stand out from the rest in the diving arena. This diving stint is especially revered because of its precision, technical excellence, and ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations, cementing her position as a legend in the sport and her nation.
Considered two of the greatest wrestling showdowns at the time, the first was between an Olympic champion, Sergei, and the underdog from India, Kartar Singh. The match stunned the wrestling and sports communities as Kartar went on to win the gold medal and create history, the first for his country in the freestyle wrestling category.
In another event, the bout between Yoshiaki Yatsu (Japan) and Kim Young-nam in amateur wrestling captured the attention of the sporting fraternity. Kim secured the victory, which marked a significant achievement for himself and his nation.
Jaspal Rana, the former Indian shooter, demonstrated exceptional shooting skills and bagged the first gold medal for his nation in the 25-metre Centre Fire Pistol event.
This was a historical achievement and an inspiration to generations to take up the sport, which wasn't popular then, creating a milestone and iconic moment in Asian Games history. His accomplishments made him one of the youngest recipients of the Arjuna Award in 1994, at age 18, the second highest honour for excellence in sports.
