New Delhi, India, October 16, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India is all set to become a global sporting powerhouse as he interacted and lauded the Indian contingent which took part at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.
At a ceremony to felicitate the Asian Games contingent, the Indian Prime Minister said the athletes had flown the Tricolour high and said their achievements had shown what passion, perseverance and belief can achieve.
Recalling the historic milestones achieved at the 20th Asian Games, the Prime Minister celebrated the double gold victories of the men’s and women’s teams in cricket, hockey and kabaddi. He also lauded the five gold medals 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 Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha were also present on the occasion.
India finished fourth in the medal tally at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, winning 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze to total 85 medals. This marked India’s second consecutive finish in the top five at the Asian Games, reflecting the country’s growing competitiveness across a diverse range of sports.
Indian athletes expressed happiness after meeting Modi.
Kumkum Mohod, who scripted history by winning India’s first-ever women’s individual recurve archery gold at the Asian Games, said: “It feels very good today because I got to meet the Prime Minister for the first time. It was my dream to meet the Prime Minister and, when we met, our entire team gave him a gift, and he took it from my hand. It felt really good to meet him.”
