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PM Modi Honours Asian Games Medalists, Highlights Success of Teenage Athletes

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 16, 2026, 12:11 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated India's Asian Games 2026 contingent at a special ceremony in New Delhi, specifically praising the remarkable achievements of teenage athletes who secured medals for the country.

PM Modi Honours Asian Games Medalists, Highlights Success of Teenage Athletes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a special felicitation ceremony at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday to honour the Indian contingent that competed at the 2026 Asian Games. Among the athletes celebrated were members of the men's cricket team, who returned home with a gold medal from the Tokyo tournament.

The event served as a platform to recognise the collective success of India’s sports stars across various disciplines, including hockey, boxing, and cricket. During his address, the Prime Minister drew particular attention to the impressive performance of the nation's youngest competitors, noting that several medalists were aged between 15 and 17.

Focus on Youth and Future Talent

While addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the teenagers' contributions to the country's overall medal tally. Although he did not single out individuals by name, his remarks regarding the success of young athletes were met with a visible smile from teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was present among the honourees.

Reflecting on the performance of these young competitors, the Prime Minister stated that age is no barrier to success. He emphasised that starting a sporting journey at a young age provides a distinct advantage, noting that these athletes have already brought pride to the nation through their performances on the international stage.

Looking toward the future, the Prime Minister outlined the government's commitment to fostering grassroots talent. He explained that there is a strategic focus on identifying and training children between the ages of five and 15. Through initiatives like Khelo India and Emerging Khelo India, the government aims to provide thousands of budding players with the necessary opportunities to develop their skills and advance in their respective sports.

Celebrating Women in Sport

In addition to acknowledging the teenage contingent, the Prime Minister took a moment to commend the performance of India's female athletes. He highlighted their vital role in the country's success at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, where women secured 38 of India's 85 total medals.

The Prime Minister noted that this haul included 11 gold medals, describing the achievement as a reflection of a new India. He stressed that these figures represent more than just statistics, serving as a testament to the growing influence and capability of women in competitive sports.