New Delhi, Oct 30 (IANS): India will send its largest ever contingent of 609 athletes for the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

The Indian contingent including 249 women, will represent the country in 35 different disciplines in the Nov 12-27 Games.

In the last edition in Doha, India sent 432 athletes to compete in 31 disciplines and finished with a total of 53 medals -- 10 gold, 17 silver and 26 bronze.

"We are delighted with the progress made by Indians in a number of Olympic sports in the past few years and are confident that our athletes will do well in the Asian Games as well to sustain the national sports fans' interest," said Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Suresh Kalmadi.

India bagged 101 medals in the Delhi Commonwealth Games and Kalmadi said it will motivate athletes to do better in China.

"Our contingent will draw confidence from India's wonderful showing in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games where our athletes won record medals including 38 gold. They are aware of the different challenges presented in the Asian Games and are geared to deliver their best efforts," he said.

The Indian contingent also includes 127 coaches, 44 managers, eight doctors, seven physiotherapists, six masseurs, nine technical officials, 12 contingent officials, six government observers (athletics, cycling, kabaddi, rowing, shooting and wrestling), five nominees of the Sports Authority of India and 10 other officials.