SportsPosted at: Oct 15 2026 10:02PM


PM Modi hails Asian Games triumph, says India is poised to become global sporting powerhouse

New Delhi, Oct 15 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated the Indian contingent that participated in the 2026 Asian Games, praising its achievements and expressing confidence that India was steadily emerging as a global sporting powerhouse.
Interacting with athletes, coaches and support staff at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, he said the contingent had brought immense pride to the country and enhanced the honour of the national flag.
“Our Asian Games champions have made the Tricolour fly high and enhanced its honour and pride,” Modi said.
Describing the achievement as a collective national triumph, he added, “Your success is not yours alone; it is also the success of crores of citizens of the country,” while congratulating the athletes, coaches, support staff and their families for their contributions.
India finished fourth in the medal standings at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, winning 85 medals, including 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze. The performance marked India's second consecutive finish among the top five nations at the continental sporting event, reflecting its growing competitiveness across disciplines.
Modi described the Games as memorable for several historic achievements, particularly the gold medals won by the men's and women's hockey teams, with the women's team ending a 44-year wait for the title. India also won gold in men's and women's cricket and kabaddi, secured five gold medals in archery and registered notable performances in shooting, boxing, wrestling and athletics.
Highlighting other milestones, Modi referred to India's return to the weightlifting medal tally after a gap of 28 years, its first Asian Games marathon success since 1982 and a historic appearance in the Greco-Roman wrestling final after 64 years. The country also won its first Asian Games medals in mixed martial arts and soft tennis, recorded breakthroughs in specific sailing events and secured its maiden gold medal in the women's trap shooting event.
“Today India is winning medals even in those sports in which we had never won a medal in the history of the Asian Games before,” he said, pointing to the widening range of India's sporting strengths.
He particularly praised women athletes, who accounted for 38 of India's 85 medals, including 11 golds, describing their achievements as a reflection of an empowered and confident India.
Recalling former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary, Modi paid tribute to the scientist-statesman's life and vision, which he said continued to inspire the nation.
Referring to the stadium named after hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, the Prime Minister recalled the sporting icon's extraordinary dedication and hours of practice, emphasising that achievement required sustained discipline, determination and hard work.
“The resolutions and dreams are not fulfilled in a single day,” he said, urging athletes to remain committed to their goals and learn from setbacks.
Modi attributed India's growing sporting achievements to sustained efforts over the past 10 to 12 years to strengthen the country's sports ecosystem. Contrasting the present expansion of Indian participation with an earlier period when the country had little or no representation in several Olympic disciplines, he said India had resolved to overcome pessimism and develop a culture of participation and excellence.
“If we do not even compete, how will we bring medals?” he asked, stressing the need to remove the mindset that restricted sporting ambitions and encourage athletes to compete confidently at the highest level.
Citing the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Khelo India as key initiatives supporting athletes and nurturing talent, Modi said more than Rs 36,000 crore had been allocated to expand Khelo India and strengthen sports federations and related programmes. The initiatives include developing Khelo India Centres, stadiums, athletics tracks, hockey and football grounds, swimming pools and multi-purpose sports facilities.
He also highlighted direct financial assistance for elite athletes, including a monthly out-of-pocket allowance of Rs 50,000 under TOPS and support for overseas coaching wherever necessary.
The Khelo India Winter Games, Sansad Khel Pratiyogitas and Khelo Bharat Niti, he said, were further expanding opportunities for participation and competition. Modi also praised Divyang athletes for bringing laurels to the country and demonstrating the power of determination.
“Today every player has this confidence that the country stands with them throughout their entire journey,” the Prime Minister said, emphasising the importance of building an ecosystem that supports athletes from grassroots training to international competition.
Pointing to the achievements of athletes aged between 15 and 17, he underlined the need to identify and nurture talent early through Khelo India and Emerging Khelo India initiatives, particularly among children aged five to 15.
He linked these efforts to India's preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, its plans to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and its aspiration to host the 2036 Olympics.
Recalling his announcement of a nationwide talent hunt extending to villages, Modi said young athletes from across the country could become future medal-winners if their abilities were identified and nurtured.
The Prime Minister urged medal-winners to inspire the next generation by visiting schools, returning to their hometowns and training grounds, and interacting with children in villages and cities.
“Perhaps, a small word from you might give a child the courage to move ahead in sports,” he said, encouraging athletes to share their experiences and motivate aspiring sportspersons.
He also highlighted the wider economic opportunities emerging from the expansion of the sports sector, including careers in coaching, physiotherapy, sports management and broadcasting.
Drawing parallels with India's progress in startups, space technology, defence and artificial intelligence, Modi said young people from small towns and villages were increasingly achieving success because they believed the country could support their ambitions.
Emphasising that sport builds discipline, resilience, adaptability and the ability to recover from defeat, Modi said these qualities helped individuals throughout their lives.
Reiterating his maxim, “One who plays, will flourish,” he called on athletes to aim higher, set new records and help establish India among the world's leading sporting nations.
Concluding the interaction with an enthusiastic “We will do it!” pledge alongside the athletes, he called for the Tricolour to fly high in every sporting arena and for new champions to emerge across disciplines.
He linked these ambitions to the broader national goals of achieving a developed India by 2047, strengthening the economy, building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, turning the country into a global manufacturing hub and advancing technological leadership.
India's fourth-place finish in Japan has reinforced its ambition to become a global sporting powerhouse, but sustaining the momentum will require continued investment in grassroots talent, coaching, sports science, infrastructure and international exposure. Ensuring that athletes receive consistent support and opportunities will be crucial to translating the achievements of the present generation into sustained success at future Asian Games, Olympics and other major international competitions.
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