Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Indian athletes participating in the 2026 Asian Games at the Major Janchhand National Stadium in New Delhi. During his speech, he highly commended the athletes' achievements.
In his address, Modi specifically mentioned athletes aged 15 and 17, emphasizing that age is not an obstacle to achieving success. His remarks were interpreted as a compliment to 15-year-old young player Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who won a gold medal in the men's cricket team.
The 17-year-old archery sensation Kumkum Mohod, who won a medal in shooting, was also noted, although she was not named. However, it is believed that the hint was made specifically about these two athletes.
Modi stated that meeting so many medalists fills him with energy, and that the joy brought by the athletes illuminates the country along with the medals when passion turns into victory. He declared that the athletes have given 140 million citizens the opportunity to be proud of the country, and that enhancing the honor and dignity of the tricolor is the greatest achievement belonging not only to them but also to millions of citizens.
The Prime Minister also congratulated the athletes, their coaches, support staff, and families.
Modi reiterated that there were many athletes aged 15 or 17 at the Asian Games who won the hearts of the citizens and brought glory to the nation. He stressed that this demonstrates the absence of limitations to success and that starting a career at a young age provides an additional advantage. Therefore, it is crucial to identify talent at an early age.
The Prime Minister noted the historic achievement of the women's hockey team, which won the gold medal, ending a 44-year wait. He also emphasized that both the men's and women's hockey teams are a source of pride for the country.
In cricket, the men's and women's teams repeated their record by winning medals for the second consecutive time. Furthermore, the kabaddi teams (men's and women's) enhanced the prestige of the country by winning gold medals. In shooting, India won five gold medals, and records were also set in athletics thanks to brilliant performances in boxing and shooting.
Expressing gratitude for the contribution of female athletes, Modi reported that out of a total of 85 medals, 38 were won by girls, including 11 gold medals. He noted that this statistic represents a strong image of a new India, as Indian women constantly prove their abilities on the sports arena and elevate the country.
The Prime Minister also mentioned successes in disciplines where India had previously not won medals at the Asian Games, such as mixed martial arts (MMA), table tennis, and sailing, marking a new milestone for Indian sports. He particularly highlighted the medal in weightlifting after 28 years and the first marathon success since 1982.
Modi urged the athletes to prepare even more thoroughly for future competitions. He noted the emergence of new champions in Indian sports and the setting of new records. India faces the tasks of hosting the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 and the Commonwealth Games in 2030, while hosting the Olympic Games in 2036 is an aspiration for India. The Prime Minister called on the athletes to move forward with the same enthusiasm and determination, insisting that India must raise the glory of the tricolor in every arena and strengthen its new identity in sports.
