PM Modi Meets Asian Games 2026 Stars, Reaffirms 2036 Olympics Hosting Goal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a special meeting with the athletes who won medals for the country in the Asian Games 2026. During a grand event organized at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday, October 15, PM Modi interacted with all the medal winners, including the cricket team, the kabaddi team, and the shooters, and extended his heartfelt congratulations to them. Along with celebrating their success, the Prime Minister also reiterated his call for India to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

India's Performance in Aichi-Nagoya

In the Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4, India achieved a significant milestone by winning a total of 85 medals, which included 21 gold medals. With this impressive tally, India once again secured the fourth position in the overall medal standings. Although the performance wasn't as dominant as the previous edition, Prime Minister Modi continued his tradition of meeting medal winners to boost their morale. Having previously met medalists from the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, Modi once again praised all the athletes for their hard work and dedication.

Vision for 2036 Olympics and 2047 Developed India

During the event, the Prime Minister addressed the athletes who brought glory to the nation and expressed his confidence in hosting the 2036 Olympics. Modi said, "Our dreams are big, our resolutions are also big, but every Indian today has the confidence to fulfill them, while " Plus, PM Modi mentioned his dream and resolution of a Developed India by 2047, stating that Indian athletes will play a major role in this journey. He added, "Your enthusiasm and confidence are the greatest strengths of New India. With this, we've to take India to new heights.

Celebrating Women's Power in Sports

In this edition of the games, India's female athletes won the highest number of 11 gold medals and played the most significant role in taking the country to the fourth position. Prime Minister Modi didn't forget to mention this achievement and said, "I want to especially praise our daughters. Out of the 85 medals India has won, 38 have been won by female athletes, including 11 gold medals.

Special Gifts from Athletes to the Prime Minister

As per tradition, the athletes also presented some special gifts to the Prime Minister, while the Indian men's and women's hockey teams, who won gold medals together for the first time, presented a stick and jersey signed by all the players to the Prime Minister. Similarly, the men's and women's cricket teams, who won gold for the second consecutive time, also gifted their jerseys. The 17 year old superstar archer Kumkum Mohod, who created history by winning two gold and one silver medal in archery, presented a bow and arrow. Also, Pranavi Urs, who won the first-ever gold in golf, gifted a framed golf ball and gloves to the Prime Minister.