After the opening ceremony at the GBK main stadium in Jakarta on Saturday, the 2018 Asian Games were off to a great start on Sunday (19 August), the first day of the Games.
India had a mixed first day at the Asiad. Wrestler Bajrang Punia won India’s first at the Asian Games when he defeated Japan’s Daichi Takatani 11-8 in the final of the 6men's 65 kg category on Sunday.
On the other hand, veteran Sushil Kumar had to settle for a disappointing first round exit after he suffered a stunning 3-5 loss in the first qualification round bout against Bahrain's Adam Batirov in the men's 74 kg category.
Earlier in the day, shooters Apurvi Chandela and Ravi Kumar won India’s first medal at the 2018 Asian Games. The duo won a bronze medal in the rifle mixed team shooting event.
On Day 2 of the competition,the shooters as well as the wrestlers will again be in action.
In wrestling both Vinesh Phogat as well as Sakshi Malik will be competing in the Women’s 50 kg and 65 kg categories respectively. Both Vinesh and Sakshi are medal contenders at the Games.
After the women’s hockey team, their male counterparts would also look to decimate the Indonesian team when they meet on Monday in their Pool A opener. Rani Rampal and Co thrashed Indonesia 8-0 in their Pool B opener on Sunday.
In badminton both the male as well as the female team will be in action. The male team will play Indonesia while the female shuttlers will take on Japan.
Defending champions India will take on South Korea in the men’s category and Thailand in the women’s category of kabaddi.
In shooting, Elavenil Valarivan and Apurvi Chandela will competing in the 10m air rifle women category.
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