The Indian contingent includes 17 athletes, a group spearheaded by ace long jumper Anju Bobby George. Shooting comes next with nine Indians, including Athens Silver medallist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, gunning for glory. India will also be fielding its largest ever boxing team and of the quintet, Vijender looks the best bet, especially after his red hot form in recent past. Though the Indian swimmers are yet to make a splash, as many as four of them would be part of the field in Beijing. The number is same in tennis as well where Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Sania Mirza and Sunitha Rao would have to live up to the expectation. The contingent will also include three grapplers and as many rowers. Two players each will represent India in table tennis, judo and badminton, while weightlifting and yachting will have one each.

An early MCT’s signing, the Jharkhand archer led India to gold at the 2007 Asian Championships. Bronze in the individual event was his ticket to Beijing where he is regarded as a medal contender.