Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India was poised to become a global sporting powerhouse as he interacted with the Indian contingent that participated in the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, and congratulated the athletes for their outstanding performances.
Praising the medal winners, Modi said they had made the Tricolour fly high and demonstrated what passion, perseverance and self-belief could achieve. He said their accomplishments had brought immense pride to the country's 140 crore citizens and emphasised that their greatest achievement was enhancing the honour and glory of the national flag.
The Prime Minister congratulated the athletes, coaches, support staff and families, describing their success as a collective national achievement rather than an individual accomplishment.
Recalling India's landmark performances at the Games, Modi highlighted the gold medals won by both the men's and women's hockey teams. The women's team's victory was particularly significant as it ended a 44-year wait for gold at the Asian Games.
He also praised the Indian men's and women's cricket teams for winning gold medals for the second consecutive edition, along with the men's and women's kabaddi teams for securing a double-gold triumph.
Modi highlighted India's five gold medals in archery and praised the country's performances in shooting, boxing and wrestling. He also acknowledged the new records set in athletics, India's first weightlifting medal at the Asian Games in 28 years and the country's first marathon success since 1982.
The Prime Minister noted that Indian athletes had also secured maiden Asian Games medals in disciplines such as mixed martial arts and soft tennis, reflecting the country's expanding presence across a wider range of sports.
He particularly acknowledged the contribution of women athletes, who won 38 of India's 85 medals, including 11 gold medals. He said their achievements represented the growing strength and participation of women in Indian sport.
Modi also spoke about the broader lessons sports offer, including discipline, adaptability, perseverance and the ability to recover from setbacks. He said these qualities extended beyond the sporting arena and helped individuals face challenges in everyday life.
The interaction was attended by Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, Indian Olympic Association president P T Usha, athletes, coaches, support staff and representatives of sporting federations.
India finished fourth in the overall medal standings at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, held in Japan from September 19 to October 4, winning 85 medals comprising 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze.
The result marked India's second consecutive finish among the top five nations at the continental sporting event and its second-highest medal tally in Asian Games history.
India's performance was spread across several disciplines, with athletics contributing 24 medals and shooting adding 15. Archery also delivered a notable campaign, with five gold medals forming a significant part of the country's overall tally.
Concluding his interaction, Modi expressed confidence in India's sporting future and encouraged athletes to continue striving for excellence. He said their achievements had strengthened the country's sporting ambitions and inspired a new generation to pursue sports.
The Prime Minister's remarks come as India continues to pursue its ambition of becoming a leading global sporting nation and strengthening its prospects in major international competitions.