"We can win medals in all categories, but it's wrong to say it's going to be easier than the Commonwealth Games. For example there is Nicol David, who is the world no. 1 and favourite for the women's singles title," said Pallikal at the launch JSW Indian Challenger Circuit here today.
India's no. 1 female player, who was present at the media conference along with top men's player Saurav Ghosal, said other strong Asian contenders like Malaysia and Hong Kong would pose a tough challenge in the continental Games.
Ghosal, the world no. 16 who lost in the men's singles bronze medal contest in Glasgow to finish fourth, is the top seed in the Asian Games but has a tough draw in front of him.
"I am the no. 1 seed and am drawn to meet Ahmad Al-Saraj of Jordan (world no. 105) in the second round and then Pakistan's Nasir Iqbal (world no. 42) in the next round and then Ong Beng Hee (Malaysian world no. 35) in the semis. If I progress to the final I could be up against Max Lee (Hong Kong), who is seeded second," explained Ghosal.
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