Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with India’s medal winners from the Asian Games at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday. The gathering included the entire men’s T20 cricket team, led by Shreyas Iyer, who recently played the fourth T20I against the West Indies. The women’s cricket team, set to face Zimbabwe in a T20I in Raipur, was also in attendance.

During the event, athletes presented the Prime Minister with memorabilia, including signed jerseys and a bow from 17-year-old archery prodigy Kumkum Mohod. Senior officials from various sports organisations, including International Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah, accompanied the athletes. The Prime Minister expressed his pride in the accomplishments of the athletes, stating that their success belongs to the entire nation of 140 crore people.

India’s Medal Tally at the Asian Games

India secured a total of 85 medals at the Asian Games, comprising 21 gold, 32 silver, and 32 bronze. This total is lower than the 106 medals achieved in the previous edition held in Hangzhou. Notably, the country’s debutants made significant contributions, winning 41 medals, which showcased the emerging talent in Indian sports.

During his address, PM Modi particularly highlighted the achievements of women athletes, who contributed 38 medals to the overall tally, including 11 gold medals. The Prime Minister praised the performances of the cricket and hockey teams, as well as the archers who collectively won five gold medals. He emphasised that these medals represent a new chapter in India’s sporting history.

Modi remarked that the Asian Games have been memorable for India in many respects, especially with both the men’s and women’s hockey teams winning gold medals. He noted the significance of the women’s hockey team ending a 44-year wait for gold. Additionally, both cricket teams secured medals for the second consecutive time, equalling their own records.

Historical Achievements in Various Sports

PM Modi pointed out that the achievements at the Asian Games reflect a powerful image of a New India, with medals won in sports where India had not previously succeeded. He mentioned the historic wins in mixed martial arts, soft tennis, and certain sailing events, marking the first time Indian athletes have won medals in these disciplines at the Asian Games.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged outstanding performances in shooting, boxing, and wrestling, along with new records set by Indian athletes. He noted that weightlifting saw a medal after a gap of 28 years and highlighted the marathon success, which had not been achieved since 1982. These accomplishments were described as gratifying milestones for Indian sports.

Harmanpreet Kaur, who led the women’s cricket team to gold before stepping down as captain, was present at the event and presented a signed jersey to PM Modi. Her successor, Smriti Mandhana, also participated in the photo session with the Prime Minister. Golfer Pranavi Urs gifted Modi her glove and a golf ball framed as a token of appreciation.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share