Narendra Modi congratulates Indian athletes on 85‑medal Asian Games haul

Modi meets Asian Games medal winners in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the Indian contingent at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium on Thursday, presenting a jersey from women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur and receiving memorabilia ranging from a signed archery bow to a golfer’s glove. "You have made 140 crore Indians proud," Modi said, adding that the triumph belonged to “crores of our countrymen.”

India’s 85‑medal haul and gold count

India finished the 2026 Asian Games with 85 medals – 21 of them gold – a respectable tally that, while lower than the 106 medals won in Hangzhou, reflects a broader base of talent. Debutants contributed 41 of the medals, signalling depth beyond the traditional strongholds.

Women athletes lead the way

Modi singled out the women’s contribution: 38 medals, including 11 golds. “I especially want to congratulate our women athletes,” he declared, noting their performance as a testament to the nation’s inclusive development agenda.

Historic firsts across new sports

The Prime Minister highlighted several first‑time achievements: medals in mixed martial arts, soft‑tennis and certain sailing events. He also recalled weightlifting’s return after a 28‑year gap and India’s first marathon medal since 1982, framing these breakthroughs as evidence of a “New India” that can compete in disciplines previously out of reach.

Cricket, hockey and kabaddi shine

Both the men’s and women’s hockey squads returned with gold, ending a 44‑year wait for the women’s team. Cricket secured medals for the second consecutive Asian Games, matching its own record, while kabaddi saw golds for both genders. The athletes presented Modi with signed jerseys, a bow from 17‑year‑old archer Kumkum Mohod and a golf glove from Pranavi Urs.

Looking ahead

Concluding his address, Modi urged the contingent to aim higher, saying, "Friends, now we must reach even greater heights in sports." The ceremony, attended by senior officials from various sports bodies and International Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah, reinforced the government’s narrative of a stable, thriving sporting ecosystem that mirrors India’s broader development trajectory.

Key moments captured

The event was a visual tableau of triumph: Modi posing with the women’s cricket team, a smiling Harmanpreet Kaur handing over a jersey, and a young archer presenting a bow. Each image underscored the message that individual victories feed the collective pride of the nation.