Commonwealth Games 2018: Top 5 sports where India can win Gold medal

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The much-awaited 2018 Commonwealth Games is just a day away and the hopes and expectations of the nation are already surging. The quadrennial Commonwealth Games have always been a star attraction for all the athletes who belong to a CWG nation.

If we are to turn the pages of history, we can see that India has made it a point to make a prominent mark with exhilarating performances and glorious medal wins every time at the CWG.

Heading into the 21st Commonwealth Games, hopes are piled high on the 225-member athletic contingent. The chances of a gold medal seem particularly high this time considering the talent present in the ranks.


#1 Badminton

Badminton - Olympics: Day 14
PV Sindhu shoulders India's badminton hopes at a gold medal

The success of the 22-year-old PV Sindhu has been a dream. Racing into the hearts of so many Indians, the ace shuttler made the world take notice of her when she became the World No. 3 and got a bronze medal at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

At such a tender age, she tasted Olympic success and clinched a silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Sindhu is quite the powerhouse and arguably the reigning queen of badminton in India.

Apart from shouldering India's solid hope of a gold medal in the single's category in badminton, Sindhu has also been honored with the role of the flag bearer of the Indian contingent in the opening ceremony of the Games.

Apart from Sindhu, Saina Nehwal and World No. 2 Kidambi Srikant pose as great candidates to bring home the coveted gold medal.

#2 Shooting

19th Commonwealth Games - Day 6: Shooting
Gagan Narang is a top contender for the gold medal

Shooting has always been a sport that India has delivered medals. Come every Olympics or the Commonwealth Games, Indians shooters travel with high hopes. The 27-member shooting contingent that is headed to Gold Coast boasts of seasoned shooters like Gagan Narang, Jitu Rai and Manavjit Sandhu.

Needless to say, Narang is quite the veteran, going to the CWG since 2006 when it was held in Melbourne. Narang has won 8 Gold medals, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze, from his three outings at the CWG.

Jitu Rai is another shooter who secured gold in Glasgow 2014 CWG. A five-time gold medal winner at the CWG's, Manavjit Sandhu is also present on the list and all of them look promising to bring home more gold medals.

Aside from these veterans, 17-year old prodigy, Mehuli Ghosh will hope to make a solid impression in her debut.

#3 Wrestling

Wrestling - Olympics: Day 12
Sakshi Malik nurtures hopes for a gold medal

The wrestling contingent have always been in the hunt for a gold medal, but this year's seem extra special.

Four years ago, at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Sakshi Malik made everybody take notice of her as she won the silver medal, and in 2016 Rio Olympics, she became the first female wrestler to win a medal, a bronze. Looking to better her tally at the CWG, the 25-year-old Sakshi has a lot on her shoulders.

Along with Sakshi, there is also the much-famed Babita Kumari, who has already won a gold and a silver from her previous CWG outings and will look to secure more once again. Two-time CWG gold medalist Sushil Kumar will also be in the running.

#4 Weightlifting

Sanjita Chanu is looking to repeat her gold medal feat
Sanjita Chanu will be looking to repeat her gold medal feat

Weightlifting for India has been special at the CWG. In the 2014 Glasgow Games, India bagged as many as 12 medals, including three gold in this category. Hopes are riding high on S Sathish Kumar and Khumukcham Sanjita Chanu, who will be looking to repeat their gold medal feat at this year's CWG.

Sanjita Chanu, who used to operate in the 48kg category earlier, has moved to the 53kg weight division. Meanwhile Satish, also an equally promising gold contender will be defending his title in the men's 77kg category. Aside from Chanu and Satish, Mirabai Chanu and Gururaja will also help add to the gold medal tally.

#5 Boxing

2014 Asian Games - Day 12
Mary Kom is looking to get her first CWG gold medal

Given the hype generated because of the syringe fiasco, all eyes would be on the boxing contingent this time. But like always, they have performed to their fullest and brought home glory.

At 35 years of age, Mary knows that this might well be her last CWG and is gearing up for the final flourish, and what better than another gold medal win to decorate her career?

A medal from the CWG is missing from her stellar trophy cabinet, Mary will look to change history. Along with Mary, hopes are piled high on 2010 CWG gold medalist Manoj Kumar. Vikas Krishan Yadav will also be hopeful of bringing home a CWG gold medal.

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Edited by Nishant Jayaram
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