Aichi-Nagoya has now entered sporting history, and all eyes are now on Doha, where the next Asian Games will unfold in four years' time. For India, this outlook is encouraging, especially considering the highs and lows of the recently concluded Games.

First, critics will point out that India fell short of matching its record tally of 107 medals from Hangzhou in 2023. With 85 medals overall, India was over 20 medals short. However, what made up for this deficit, at least to some extent, was how events unfolded in the final few days. Rising from 12th place, a late surge—driven by a handful of gold medals—ensured India finished in fourth place overall, matching its position from last time behind China, Japan, and South Korea. While there was certainly disappointment, the broader perspective reveals a promising future.

Nothing describes India’s sense of pride better than Kumkum Mohod's story. The teenager from Maharashtra overcame a seemingly impregnable Korean challenge to become the first Indian to win an individual recurve archery gold at the Asian Games. Her victory was no easy feat; it required a display of stout heart and unflinching self-belief. First, she defeated world champion Kang Chae-Young, followed by a formidable Chinese competitor, before finally breaking another Korean wall in a........

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