Age proved to be inconsequential in the world of sports at the 19th Asian Games, where India’s youngest and oldest medallists showcased their remarkable achievements. Sanjana Bathula and Anahat Singh, both 15 years old, created history by securing bronze medals in roller skating and squash respectively. The remarkable aspect is that the two young athletes have a mere three-month age difference between them. In contrast, Jaggy Shivdasani, a 65-year-old bridge player, stood on the same podium as the young achievers. Despite the full generation’s gap between them, all three shared the title of Asian Games medallists.
India’s performance at the Asian Games was commendable, finishing the campaign with a record haul of 107 medals, including 28 gold. This marked a significant improvement from their 2018 tally of 70 medals, including 16 gold. The country’s athletes showcased their prowess and determination to compete against strong opponents from various nations.
Jaggy Shivdasani, the silver medallist in bridge, had a notable career before his Asian Games success. He was part of the 2018 bronze medal-winning men’s team. Reflecting on the team’s performance, Shivdasani expressed contentment despite the final loss to Hong Kong. He acknowledged that having a silver medal is a significant achievement and stated that he would have readily accepted this outcome if offered at the beginning of the competition.
Shivdasani’s journey in bridge began long before it was included in the Asian Games roster in 2018. Born in 1958, he gained recognition as a player after winning the Holkar Trophy in 1976, followed by a series of national titles. In 1987, he became the first non-North American winner of the Spingold Knockout Teams, a prestigious event featuring players from different countries. When asked about the possibility of bridge becoming an Olympic discipline, Shivdasani expressed hope for its inclusion but humorously added uncertainty about his own presence, considering his age. Being an Olympic sport would be a great accomplishment for bridge and a testament to its global popularity.
Shivdasani’s teammates on the podium, Ajay Khare (64), Raju Tolani (62), Rajeshwar Tewari (60), Sandeep Thakral (49), and Sumit Mukherjee (49), also belong to his era. Their collective achievements emphasize the enduring spirit and dedication of these athletes, who continue to shine on international platforms despite their age.
Anahat Singh, also 15, is a budding squash player with a promising future. Despite squash not yet being an Olympic discipline, Anahat has the advantage of age to fulfill her dream of representing India at the Olympic Games. She shares the team with renowned Indian squash players like Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa. Anahat’s participation in the Asian Games at such a young age and her inclusion in the women’s team that secured a bronze medal is a remarkable feat. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to stand on the Asian Games podium alongside experienced athletes and acknowledged the significance of winning a medal. In addition to the team bronze, Anahat added another bronze to her collection by partnering with Abhay Singh in the mixed doubles event. Anahat’s aspirations as a professional squash player are ambitious, aiming to become a world champion or attain the world No. 1 ranking.
Sanjana Bathula, another 15-year-old prodigy, is the youngest among India’s medallists at the Asian Games. She contributed to the women’s relay team’s success, securing a bronze medal in roller skating. However, her teammates Karthika Jagadeeswaran, Heeral Sadhu, and Aarathy Kasturi Raj were the ones who competed and achieved the third-place finish. The gold and silver medals went to Chinese Taipei and South Korea respectively.
The Asian Games provided a platform for young Indian athletes to showcase their potential and compete against top-level international competitors. The remarkable achievements of Sanjana Bathula, Anahat Singh, and Jaggy Shivdasani serve as inspirations for future generations, proving that age should never limit one’s aspirations or ability to succeed in the world of sports. The Indian contingent’s record-breaking medal tally reflects the country’s growing prowess in various sports and its commitment to nurturing young talents. With their impressive performances, these athletes have etched their names in Asian Games history and are poised to make even greater strides in the future. For more details, read the full article on Times of India.
