'15 years ... I waited for long': Krishna Jaisankar set for her India moment at Asiad
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AMIT KUMAR
Indian athletes are making significant strides at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, highlighted by a gold-winning performance in 10m air pistol and promising debutant stories. Shot putter Krishna Jaisankar is preparing for her debut, aiming for an 18-meter throw as India currently holds 21 medals in the overall standings.
India's Sporting Resilience at the 2026 Asian Games
The 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya have become a stage for remarkable narratives of perseverance and redemption for Indian athletes. As India currently sits 12th on the medal table with 21 total medals—comprising 2 gold, 9 silver, and 10 bronze—the collective performance reflects a maturing sporting ecosystem capable of overcoming individual setbacks to achieve continental success.
The Redemption of the 10m Air Pistol Duo
Perhaps the most compelling story of psychological fortitude comes from shooters Suruchi Phogat and Kamaljeet Singh. Following individual disappointments that left them struggling with the weight of expectation, the pair demonstrated elite mental resilience. Despite vastly different coping mechanisms—Suruchi sleeping for 13 hours and Kamaljeet managing only four—they channeled their frustration into a record-breaking performance in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. Scoring 484.6 points, they outperformed South Korean and Iranian rivals, proving that team synergy can often eclipse individual pressure in high-stakes environments.
Krishna Jaisankar: A 15-Year Journey
Parallel to the shooting success, shot putter Krishna Jaisankar represents the grit required to sustain an elite athletic career. Having waited 15 years to represent India, the 23-year-old’s journey from a basketball-playing family to the shot put circle is a testament to longevity. Overcoming injuries and missed opportunities, her recent national record of 17.35m serves as a launchpad for her Asian Games debut. Her eyes are now set on the 18-meter mark, a benchmark she views as essential for her ultimate goal: the LA 2028 Olympics.
Strengthening the Medal Tally
India’s broader success at the Aichi-Nagoya Games is bolstered by consistent performances across disciplines. The contribution of Gulveer Singh, who maintained his momentum from the Commonwealth Games to secure a silver in the 10,000m, underscores the importance of competitive continuity. Furthermore, the bronze medals won by Manpreet Kaur in shot put and the mixed doubles table tennis duo of Manush Shah and Diya Chitale highlight the depth of the Indian contingent, pushing the country’s bronze count into double digits.
Strategic Implications and Future Trends
These results signal a pivotal shift in how Indian athletes approach international competition. The emphasis on psychological recovery, evidenced by the shooting duo, and the long-term planning seen in Jaisankar’s career, suggests that Indian sports federations are increasingly prioritizing holistic athlete development. As the Games progress, the focus will remain on whether these athletes can sustain this intensity and translate these continental achievements into global success on the Olympic stage.
Conclusion
As the Asian Games continue, the stories of Krishna Jaisankar, Suruchi Phogat, and Kamaljeet Singh serve as a microcosm of the current state of Indian sports: resilient, evolving, and deeply hungry for recognition. Whether through the long-term dedication of a shot putter or the rapid rebound of a shooting team, these athletes exemplify the spirit of the modern Indian competitor.
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