Last Updated on November 6, 2026 7:14 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
AMN
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the government is building a modern sports ecosystem through school and grassroots programmes, Khelo India Centres and Olympic-standard training under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
Felicitating India’s Asian Para Games 2026 contingent for its record haul of 114 medals, Prime Minister urged the athletes to build on their success as they prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Prime Minister also recalled his appeal from the Red Fort encouraging young people to participate in a nationwide talent hunt with the Olympics in focus. He said Para-sports also receive equal priority under these initiatives.
Interacting with the contingent at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi, PM Modi said the performance reflected India’s emergence as a major global sporting power. He congratulated the athletes, their families, coaches and trainers, saying the players had won both medals and the hearts of millions.
India secured 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze medals, alongside five world records and nine Asian records. Comparing the achievement with the country’s tally of 14 medals, including one gold, in 2010, PM Modi credited the athletes’ perseverance and dedication.
The Prime Minister noted that 34 of the contingent’s 56 female athletes won medals, while Indian competitors swept all three podium positions in four events. The team also won nine gold medals on the final day.
Highlighting individual performances, PM Modi said Mona Agarwal set a world record in para shooting, while Haney improved his own world record. He also praised Himanshu, Ravi and Jehan for overcoming physical challenges through their performances.
Recalling the sacrifices behind sporting success, PM Modi spoke about Rinku, who lost his mother two months before the Games and held up her photograph after winning gold. “That moment made all of us emotional,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the achievements of younger athletes, noting that 36 of the 61 debutants won medals and Sandeep set a world record on his debut.
Describing sports as a means of personality development and nation-building, PM Modi said it teaches discipline, teamwork and the ability to recover from setbacks. He added that the expansion of sports infrastructure, equipment manufacturing and broadcasting was creating employment opportunities beyond the playing field.