Asian Games 2018: A terrible start for India in handball and basketball

The Indian contingent has been subjected to a terrible start at the 2018 Asian Games. During the qualifiers, which took place before the official start of the games, both the Indian handball and basketball teams lost. While the qualifiers of certain sports are already underway, the pan-Asian games do not officially commence until August 18. For the first time in history, two cities are co-hosting the continental tournament. Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang took on the responsibility to host the 2018 Asian Games. The Games are also returning to Indonesia after a fifty-six-year absence.

However, as it turns out, Indian teams have had a terrible start to the competition. The Indian Handball teams (men and women) and the Indian women's basketball team were a part of the pre-tournament qualifiers, which took place from August 10 to August 17. During this seven-day period, the teams competed in what were the preliminary stages of the main competition. Both the Indian handball teams were in action during this phase, playing a total of five matches. However, they got off to the worst possible start, losing all five of those matches. The Indian men's handball team lost all three of their group matches against Chinese Taipei (28-38), Bahrain (25-32), and Iraq (29-40). Elsewhere, the Indian women's handball team also lost both the matches they were a part of. The team were first subjected to a defeat against Kazakhstan (19-36) before the same result awaited them, against South Korea (18-45). Things didn't go well for the Indian women's basketball 5x5 team, as well. They lost their opening match to Kazakhstan by a scoreline of 61-79. For now, we have a short one day break in proceedings as Jakarta gears up for the opening ceremony. The opening ceremony will take place in the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium today, August 18, signalling the official start of the 18th Asian Games. Play will resume tomorrow, August 19, and will go on for the next two weeks. The Indian women's handball team will play their third Group match against China on August 19, as will the Indian women's basketball team against Chinese Taipei.

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