Prime Minister congratulates medal winners and says India’s sporting success can inspire a new generation
GTNS | October 4, 2026
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated India’s athletes following the conclusion of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, saying the country is proud of every Indian player who represented the nation at the continental sporting event.
India ended its campaign with 85 medals — 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze — finishing fourth on the overall medal table.
In his message, the Prime Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to the country’s medal winners and acknowledged the efforts of the entire Indian contingent.
Success beyond the medal tally
Modi said the achievements of Indian sportspersons carry significance beyond the medals themselves. According to his message, the performances can encourage young people to take up sport and contribute to a stronger sporting culture across the country.
The Indian campaign featured notable performances across disciplines, including hockey, cricket, archery, boxing, wrestling, shooting and golf. India also recorded several landmark achievements during the Games, including historic performances by individual athletes and teams.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the Asian Games success would become a source of motivation for future generations and help strengthen sports participation at the grassroots level.
Focus shifts to the next generation
With the Aichi-Nagoya campaign now over, the message from the Prime Minister places the spotlight not only on the medal winners but also on the wider sporting ecosystem.
The challenge ahead will be to convert the momentum created by the athletes’ performances into greater opportunities for young talent, stronger grassroots participation and a broader sporting base across India.
For the Indian contingent, the Asian Games campaign has therefore ended with a medal haul — but the larger impact of its performances could be measured by how many young Indians are inspired to enter the world of competitive sport.