Prime Minister Narendra Modi met India’s medal-winning athletes from the 2026 Asian Games at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday, celebrating a campaign that saw the country secure 85 medals, including gold medals in both men’s and women’s cricket.
The gathering brought together athletes, coaches and senior sports administrators following India’s fourth-place finish in the overall medal standings at the Games in Japan. International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha were among the officials accompanying the contingent.
India finished the tournament with 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze medals, with the performances of its women’s teams and individual athletes emerging as a prominent feature of the campaign.
Cricket teams join national celebration
India’s gold-winning men’s and women’s cricket teams were among the sporting contingents recognised during the event, which included photographs with the Prime Minister and the presentation of memorabilia by athletes.
We in India remain committed to boosting the sports ecosystem and also supporting our athletes so that they can shine and inspire several youngsters across the nation. https://t.co/rF3WrbKyLb
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2026
Women’s cricket Captain Harmanpreet Kaur presented Modi with a jersey signed by the medal-winning team, marking the side’s contribution to India’s success at the Games.
Shah’s presence alongside representatives of other national sporting bodies also reflected cricket’s participation in the wider Indian sporting delegation.
Glimpses from a memorable interaction with our champions who made India proud at the Asian Games! https://t.co/YovmboGfBO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2026
The cricket teams were among several successful Indian squads acknowledged during the Prime Minister’s address, alongside hockey and archery.
Modi celebrates India’s Asian Games achievements
During his address at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, Modi also spoke about India’s broader sporting progress and the achievements of its athletes across multiple disciplines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the gathering: “Meeting so many medal winners together is no ordinary occasion. It is a truly wonderful feeling.”
The event recognised the contributions of athletes and the wider support systems behind India’s medal-winning performances.
“You have given 1.4 billion Indians an occasion to feel proud. Because the greatest achievement of all is raising the honour of the tri-colour.That is why your success is not yours alone; it is the success of crores of citizens of this country. On behalf of all the people of India, I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you. I also express my sincere appreciation and congratulations to your coaches, support staff, and families,” Modi added.
Beyond the medal tally, the Prime Minister also highlighted India’s development as a sporting nation capable of staging major international competitions, describing the country as an increasingly credible host.
Women athletes account for 38 of India’s medals
Women athletes made a substantial contribution to India’s overall performance, winning 38 of the country’s 85 medals, including 11 golds.
Their achievements spanned team and individual competitions, with the women’s cricket and hockey teams among the gold medal winners.
“I especially want to congratulate our women athletes, they contributed 38 medals to our tally and 11 of those medals were gold,” Modi said.
The women’s hockey team’s gold medal was another achievement singled out during the Prime Minister’s address, while India’s archers also enjoyed a successful campaign, winning five gold medals.
Athletes present memorabilia to Prime Minister
The meeting also featured presentations from several of India’s individual medal winners.
Seventeen-year-old recurve archer Kumkum Mohod presented Modi with a bow after winning two gold medals, in the individual and women’s team events, and a silver in the mixed team competition.
Golfer Pranavi Urs, who became the first Indian woman to win an Asian Games gold medal in golf, presented the Prime Minister with a framed glove and golf ball.
Athletes also posed for photographs with Modi, with signed sporting equipment and jerseys forming part of the occasion.
The presentations and interactions concluded a celebration of India’s achievements across cricket, hockey, archery, golf and other disciplines at the 2026 Asian Games.
