The Indian contingent at the Asian Games, which began on 23 September, has been performing at a superb level throughout the competition. A total of 655 athletes have been sent to participate across events in 41 different disciplines.
India currently stands fourth in the medal table, with 13 gold, 24 silver and 26 bronze medals, for an overall haul of 63. With events scheduled until 8 October, hopes are high that the country will surpass the tally of 70 medals from 2018.
On Monday, India’s Ancy Sojan did her part to help the country boost its medal tally, as she won silver in the women’s long jump event, registering her personal best of 6.63 metres.
‘Control the controllables’ – Ancy Sojan inspired by MS Dhoni
This was India’s second consecutive silver in the women’s long jump, after Neena Varakil won the same medal in Jakarta in 2018. In an interview, Sojan mentioned former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni as one of her idols. She said,
When you enter the competition, everyone is thinking and worried about the result. The result is… keep it aside. First, you need to train and ensure whatever you train, give that in your competition.
You just concentrate on what you can do. Dhoni always said ‘Control the controllables’. I just focused on a good run and a good takeoff. I gave that and got a good performance. That is my process.