PM Modi Felicitates Asian Games 2026 Medalists as Women's Cricket Team Surprises Him with Signed Jersey
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Celebrating one of the finest chapters in the nation's sporting history, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the Indian contingent that competed at the 2026 Asian Games during a grand felicitation ceremony at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. Congratulating the athletes on their performance in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, the Prime Minister stated that their podium triumphs represent the ambition, discipline, and collective self-confidence of a modernizing nation. India concluded its continental campaign with an impressive tally of 85 medals—comprising 21 gold, 27 silver, and 37 bronze medals—driven by historic clean sweeps across team disciplines. In a touching gesture during the interactive ceremony, the gold medal-winning women’s cricket squad presented the Prime Minister with an official team jersey, while the champion hockey squad gifted him a match-used commemorative stick.
PM Modi Applauds Sporting Excellence: 'Enhancing the Glory of the Tricolor'
Addressing hundreds of assembled athletes, coaches, and sports science support professionals inside the stadium, Prime Minister Modi commended their resolve:
Energy of National Pride: Expressing admiration for the contingent, the Prime Minister noted, "Being among you fills me with energy. Meeting so many medal winners together is no small feat, but a truly wonderful feeling. You have made our countrymen proud."
Collective National Achievement: Modi emphasized that every podium celebration belongs to the 1.4 billion citizens of India, extending gratitude to the families, childhood trainers, and specialized support staff who worked behind the scenes.
Mansukh Mandaviya Highlights Quote: Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the Prime Minister’s inspirational message on social media platform X, sharing his quote: "When passion turns into victory, it brings not only medals but also a smile on the face."
Dominance in Team Sports: Hockey and Cricket Sweeps Shatter Continental Records
The Prime Minister spotlighted historic team milestones that highlighted India's continental dominance:
Double Gold in Cricket: Both the men's and women's national cricket teams retained their Asian Games gold medals, achieving consecutive continental titles and underscoring India's supremacy in the shortest format.
Historic 44-Year Hockey Milestone: Both the men's and women's national hockey teams secured gold medals, with the Indian women's hockey team capturing their first Asian Games gold medal in 44 years.
Kabaddi Continental Sweep: Continuing decades of regional dominance, both the men’s and women’s kabaddi squads outplayed their continental rivals to deliver dual gold medals to the overall tally.
'Nari Shakti' Leads the Charge: Daughters Bag 38 Medals Including 11 Golds
A central theme of the Prime Minister’s address was the remarkable performance of India's female athletes:
Daughters Deliver Nearly Half the Tally: Out of India's 85 total medals, female competitors won 38 medals across individual and team disciplines, including 11 gold medals.
Emblem of New India: Highlighting their achievements, PM Modi remarked, "These medals are the picture of the new India. When our daughters excel on global platforms, they shatter stereotypes and lead the nation forward."
Special Jersey and Stick Presentation: Expressing their appreciation to the Prime Minister for continuous government backing under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), gold medal-winning women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur presented him with an official squad jersey, while national hockey leaders presented a memento stick.
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