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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with the Indian contingent that participated in the Asian Games 2026 today. He remarked on the wonderful atmosphere created by gathering with so many medal-winners in one place. “All of you young athletes are examples of how when passion turns into victory, it brings a glow to faces along with medals,” remarked Shri Modi.
Praising the athletes for bringing immense pride to 140 crore citizens, the Prime Minister emphasized that the ultimate achievement lies in elevating the honor and glory of the national flag. He congratulated the players, their coaches, support staff, and families for this collective national triumph. “Therefore, your success is not yours alone; it is also the success of crores of citizens of the country,” affirmed PM Modi.
Remembering former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary, the Prime Minister paid rich tributes to the late statesman. He highlighted how Dr. Kalam’s remarkable life and visionary outlook continue to guide the nation. “His life and his vision are an inspiration for all of us,” remarked Shri Modi.
Recalling the historic milestones achieved at the Asian Games, the Prime Minister celebrated the double Gold victory of the men’s and women’s hockey teams, with the women ending a 44-year wait, alongside consecutive medals for both cricket teams and dual Golds in Kabaddi. He also lauded the five Golds in archery, stellar displays in shooting, boxing, and wrestling, new athletics records, a weightlifting medal after 28 years, and the first marathon success since 1982. “This time the Asian Games have been memorable for us in many ways,” noted PM Modi.
Applauding the extraordinary contribution of female athletes who secured 38 of India’s 85 total medals, including 11 Golds, the Prime Minister stated that their tally represents far more than mere statistics and reflects an empowered New India. He also highlighted how Indian players scripted history by winning maiden Asian Games medals in disciplines like mixed martial arts, soft tennis, and specific sailing events. “Today India is winning medals even in those sports in which we had never won a medal in the history of the Asian Games before,” observed Shri Modi.
Calling upon the athletes to scale even greater heights in the sporting arena, the Prime Minister led an energetic pledge where the contingent chanted “We will Do it!” in unison. He rallied them to uphold the Tricolor’s glory on every field, forge a new sporting identity for the nation, and create new champions across every discipline. “More new records in our name, We will do it!” asserted PM Modi.
Drawing attention to the venue of the gathering, the Prime Minister reminded the athletes that the stadium is named after the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, who famously practiced hockey for hours into the night. He pointed to the icon’s relentless dedication to illustrate that grand resolutions require years of sustained patience and hard work. “This hard work of his reminds us time and again that resolutions and dreams are not fulfilled in a single day,” remarked Shri Modi.
Contrasting the past dozen years of diligent work on the sports ecosystem with an earlier era when India won only a handful of medals and remained unaware of many disciplines, the Prime Minister recalled how the nation previously had zero representation in over half the Olympic events. He questioned how the country could ever expect to win laurels without first stepping onto the field of competition. “If we do not even compete, how will we bring medals?” remarked PM Modi.
Highlighting a decisive shift in national sporting policy, the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s firm determination to eradicate this historic apathy and self-doubt. He celebrated the resulting surge in Indian athletes competing across international arenas today. “We took this resolution that we will remove this pessimistic mindset!” asserted Shri Modi.
Attributing this transformation to a far-reaching vision and sincere effort over the last 10 to 12 years, the Prime Minister detailed the creation of a transparent, modern sports ecosystem anchored by the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and the expanded Khelo India initiative. He pointed out that the government has committed massive financial resources to strengthen sports federations and grassroots programs across the country. “To expand Khelo India and strengthen sports federations, more than 36 thousand crore rupees were allocated,” noted PM Modi.
Detailing the rapid expansion of grassroots infrastructure across over a thousand Khelo India Centers, the Prime Minister listed thousands of new stadiums, multi-purpose halls, athletics tracks, football and hockey grounds, and swimming pools being built across cities of all sizes. He also highlighted direct financial support to athletes, including a 50,000-rupee monthly Out-of-Pocket Allowance under TOPS and funding for international coaching stints. “If there is a need to go outside the country for coaching in any sport, the government is facilitating that too and providing financial assistance for it,” observed Shri Modi.
Underscoring the drive to maximize competitive exposure through the Winter Games, Sansad Khel Pratiyogitas, and the new ‘Khelo Bharat Niti’, the Prime Minister also praised Divyang athletes for bringing laurels to the nation. He noted that the athletes’ own triumphs prove what happens when players know the entire nation backs their journey. “Today every player has this confidence that the country stands with them throughout their entire journey,” affirmed PM Modi.
Spotlighting the remarkable performances of 15-to-17-year-old athletes in the contingent as proof that starting young provides an added advantage, the Prime Minister outlined a targeted focus on identifying and training children aged five to fifteen through Khelo India and Emerging Khelo India. Looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, India’s hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games, and the aspiration to host the 2036 Olympics, he recalled his Red Fort announcement of a nationwide village-level talent hunt. “These very players will bring medals for India in the times to come,” asserted Shri Modi.
Expressing unwavering confidence in the nation’s grand resolutions, the Prime Minister led another spirited “We will Do it!” chant with the athletes. He rallied them around the shared goals of hosting major global sporting events, joining the ranks of top sporting nations, building world-class infrastructure, and becoming a global sports hub. “A champion from every corner of India, We will do it!” asserted PM Modi.
Connecting the Asian Games triumph to the broader aspirations of Indian youth, the Prime Minister noted how young innovators have propelled India into the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem while pioneering breakthroughs in space, satellite technology, defense, and Artificial Intelligence. He emphasized that just like in sports, youth from small towns and villages are driving this entrepreneurial wave, backed by a decade of systemic reforms that assure them of the nation’s full support. “They have the trust that to take their dreams forward, the entire capability of the country stands with them,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Expanding on the broader economic impact of the sporting boom, the Prime Minister pointed out that government initiatives are benefiting far more than just on-field competitors. He highlighted the rapid emergence of diverse professional fields such as sports coaching, physiotherapy, sports management, and sports broadcasting. “This has created new avenues of employment and enterprise for the youth,” noted PM Modi.
Urging the internationally experienced medalists to shoulder the responsibility of mentoring the next generation, the Prime Minister asked them to visit schools, return to their original playing grounds, and engage with children in their home villages and cities. He emphasized that sharing their hard-earned experiences could profoundly inspire young aspirants dreaming of following in their footsteps. “Perhaps, a small word from you might give a child the courage to move ahead in sports,” remarked Shri Modi.
Reflecting on the deeper value of athletics beyond the playing field, the Prime Minister stated that sports instill lifelong discipline, adaptability, steadfastness toward long-term goals, and the resilience to rise after a defeat. He noted that these foundational qualities naturally integrate into daily life to guide individuals through every challenge. “This very sportsperson spirit comes in handy throughout life,” observed PM Modi.
Concluding his address with his signature maxim that “one who plays, will flourish,” the Prime Minister praised the athletes’ enthusiasm as New India’s greatest strength and led a final “We will Do it!” chant encompassing the goals of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, a top-three economy, an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, a global manufacturing hub, technology leadership, space exploration, and hosting the Olympics. He extended his best wishes for all their future tournaments and endeavors. “With this very self-confidence, we have to take India to new heights,” asserted Shri Modi.
Source: PIB
