Indian Olympic Association has said that as many as 609 athletes will represent the country in 35 different disciplines in the 16th Asian Games to be held in Guangzhou, China, from 12th to 28th of next month. The athletes include 249 women. It will be India's largest ever contingent to take part in the Games. Association President Suresh Kalmadi said in New Delhi today that the Association members are delighted with the progress made by Indians in a number of Olympic sport in the past few years. He said they are confident that the athletes will do well in the Asian Games as well to sustain the national sports fans' interest.