The 18th Asian Games has got off to a rousing start in Jakarta, and people of Assam have much hopes riding on the Indian contingent this time. As many as six sportsmen are from the State — boxer Shiva Thapa, sprinter Hima Das, archer Promila Daimary, fencer Kabita Devi, shuttler Ashmita Chaliha and taekwondo player Rodali Baruah. Such participation is a first for Assam, an encouraging pointer to upcoming talents in several disciplines. There has been a major build-up of sports infrastructure in the State in the past couple of years, thanks to successful hosting of events like South Asian Games and AIBA men’s national boxing championship in 2016, followed last year by FIFA under-17 World Cup games, India-Australia T-20 cricket match, Premier Badminton League and Indian Super League fixtures. The more diverse the events organised in different parts of the State, the better it is for discovering and nurturing our very own sporting talents. The country has been marvelling at the meteoric rise of Hima Das from running on the paddy fields of Dhing to Sarusajai complex in Guwahati, onwards to NIS Patiala and beyond for foreign training. There could be more such success stories from the State in future. Overall, expectations are high that India this time will better the 2010 Guangzhou Games tally of 65 medals with 14 golds, provided her boxers, wrestlers, shooters, athletes and shuttlers remain on course for medals in Jakarta. There could be pleasant surprises in fringe games too, so let’s keep our fingers crossed.