PM Modi lauds athletes’ performances during interaction with India’s Asian Games contingent

New Delhi, October 15
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today stated that India is all set to become a global sporting powerhouse. Interacting with the Indian contingent that participated in the Asian Games 2026 in New Delhi, Mr Modi lauded the Asian Games champions, saying they have made the Tricolour fly high.

He said their achievements show what passion, perseverance and belief can achieve. Praising the athletes for bringing immense pride to 140 crore citizens, the Prime Minister emphasized that the ultimate achievement lies in elevating the honor and glory of the national flag. He congratulated the players, their coaches, support staff, and families for this collective national triumph.

Recalling the historic milestones achieved at the Asian Games, the Prime Minister celebrated the double Gold victory of the men’s and women’s hockey teams, with the women ending a 44-year wait. He highlighted the consecutive medals for both cricket teams and dual Golds in Kabaddi. He also lauded the five Golds in archery, stellar displays in shooting, boxing, and wrestling, new athletics records, a weightlifting medal after 28 years, and the first marathon success since 1982.

Youth Affairs and Sports Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse and President of the Indian Olympic Association P T Usha were also present on the occasion.

India finished fourth in the medal tally at the Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, winning 85 medals, including 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze. This marked India’s second consecutive finish among the top five nations at the Asian Games, reflecting the country’s growing competitiveness across a diverse range of sporting disciplines