Asian Games | Make the occasion remember you: Usha at official send-off

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Good luck Team India: The athletes pose with Mandaviya and Usha before leaving for Aichi-Nagoya. | Photo Credit: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP

The official send-off ceremony for India’s Asian Games contingent was held here on Tuesday with several athletes, coaches and officials present on the occasion.

While several top names were missing due to various reasons — the Indian hockey teams have already left for Aichi-Nagoya while the rifle and pistol shooters are training in Bhopal — kabaddi captain Pawan Sehrawat was present along with Commonwealth Games gold medallist judoka Asmita Dey and weightlifter Gyaneshwari Yadav among others.

The event was attended by sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Indian Olympic Association president P.T. Usha and officials travelling with the Indian contingent.

“There is no shortage of talent in this country. We have to change the pressure into performance and opportunity into achievement,” Mandaviya said.

“I am confident because our athletes have prepared well. Do not be overwhelmed by the occasion; make the occasion remember you.

“Go out there, enjoy the competition, and give everything you have. Go with confidence, courage, humility and the belief that you can compete with anyone in Asia,” Usha added. The official contingent jersey was also unveiled on the occasion.

The Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4 with 503 athletes representing India across 36 sporting disciplines.

BCCI president Mithun Manhas and vice-president Rajeev Shukla were also present and confirmed that the cricketers would be staying at official accommodations only.

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