Usha expects Indian athletes to better Hangzhou Asian Games tally

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president P.T. Usha said she expected a better show from the Indian athletes in the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

“Going by the recent performance of our athletes, I expect them to do really well and better the number of medals (106) we won in the previous Asian Games (at Hangzhou). Our athletes are in top form and some of them have recently come up with their personal best and I expect them to repeat that performance in the Asian Games,’’ she said during a media interaction ahead of the Asian Games Fun Run.

Usha said the IOA was making every effort to make the athletes comfortable in Aichi-Nagoya and was thinking of taking Indian chefs for the Games.

“Some athletes had expressed apprehension regarding the food served in the Asian Games Village. We are trying to ensure that our athletes don’t miss the Indian food. We are thinking of taking our chefs to Japan. However, during my last visit to the Games Village, I saw a couple of Indian restaurants nearby. So I think getting Indian food won’t be a problem,’’ she said.

Usha added the uncertainty surrounding the Commonwealth Games did affect the preparation of the Indian teams. “We were unsure of the CWG being held at all when Melbourne pulled out. Glasgow stepped in to save the Games but we don’t have a full complement of events there and because of the uncertainty the preparations and camps started late. But I promise the 2030 CWG Games, which India will host, will be much bigger”.