PM Modi meets Indian athletes following historic Asian Games 2026 performance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Indian contingent at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi to celebrate their performance at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. India secured a historic fourth-place finish in the medal tally, winning a total of 85 medals, consisting of 21 gold, 27 silver, and 37 bronze.

Key achievements included both the men’s and women’s hockey teams winning gold in the same edition, and India securing its first medals in soft tennis and mixed martial arts. In shooting, India earned its first gold in the women’s trap event, while weightlifter Mirabai Chanu secured a silver, marking India’s first weightlifting silver at the Asian Games in 28 years. Additionally, Indian wrestlers ended a 64-year wait by reaching a final in Greco-Roman wrestling.

During the event, athletes including Lovlina Borgohain and Mirabai Chanu expressed gratitude for the government’s support and improved sports infrastructure. Chanu specifically highlighted the benefits of training facilities at SAI centers and encouraged the youth to stay away from drugs.