‘Host India has an upper hand,should romp home with medals’

And which are the categories where the Indians have the maximum chances of winning gold medals?

Newsline speaks to renowned coaches and former players in the city

“The players are completely focussed and they would be looking forward to bringing honour to the country. India definitely has got the upper hand since they also have the home advantage. We have chances of winning medals in boxing,shooting and badminton.” Drem Prem Azad,Cricket coach

“The games will definitely be a success. There has been so much negativity about the event that it could always drive the Indian players to do well and salvage the pride of their country. I think India should win medals in wrestling,weightlifting and boxing. And tennis also,because Somdev and Rohan Bopanna are in a great form and Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupati have been there and done that before.” Gary O’Brien,Director Coaching,CLTA

“There has been lots of improvement in the performances of players. We will win medals in individual events which has plenty of categories like wrestling,boxing and shooting,whereas in a sport like hockey,the combined effort of the team yield just one medal.” Surinder Mahajan,Badminton coach

“I will definitely pray that the Games be successful because India is hosting it and if the event goes well,then we become strong contenders for hosting the Olympics. And since many big players are not participating in the event,let’s hope that budding players get their chance to showcase their talents. And India should win medals in shooting,wrestling and boxing.” NS Sodhi,Former Olympian,hockey

“The competition will be tough but the players will have the home turf advantage. There has been so much controversy regarding the games. The same had happened in the Asian Games in 1982. However,the public memory is short and all will be forgotten soon.” Harjinder Singh,Football coach,CF

“I am confident that the games will be successful. Leave behind the controversies because there are always shortcomings when one is hosting such a big event. And all the people should come forward and help it in making a successful one. The Indian players will definitely win lot of medals. I see them on number one or two in overall medal tally. We should win medals in wrestling,boxing and shooting. Darshan Lal,Wrestling coach”