Asian Games 2018: PM Modi wishes Indian contingent good luck before opening ceremony kicks off in Jakarta

India’s star Javelin Thrower Neeraj Chopra leads the Indian contingent as their flag bearer during the opening ceremony of the 18th edition of Asian Games in Jakarta on Saturday.

“Best wishes to the Indian contingent for the @asiangames2018, which are being held in Indonesia. We are extremely proud of our athletes and I am sure they will give their best through the games,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tweeted sometime back.

Best wishes to the Indian contingent for the @asiangames2018, which are being held in Indonesia. We are extremely proud of our athletes and I am sure they will give their best through the games. #AsianGames2018

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 18, 2018

Before the start of the opening ceremony, India’s star wrestler Sushil Kumar has said that Javelin thrower Chopra is the future Olympian and has got the calibre to win a medal for the country in the prestigious tournament.

Speaking to ANI, the wrestler said, "He (Neeraj Chopra) is our future Olympic champion. Chopra has got the calibre to win an Olympic medal, which this country is dreaming of, for a long time."

The 35-year-old also extended his good wishes to Chopra ahead of the Asian Games opening ceremony, where he will be leading the Indian squad.

Reflecting on his own preparation ahead of the event, Kumar said that he has been trained well and is ready to give 100 per cent for his country.

"The way I have been trained, I will try to give my 100 per cent and do well for the country," Kumar said.

He further stated that after the Asian Games, he would keep on participating in various wrestling events to prepare himself for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

India will see participation from 572 athletes in 36 different sports categories in the Asian event. 

The Asian Games, which began on Saturday, will continue till September 2 in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang.