PM Modi congratulated India’s Asian Games 2026 medallists, including gold-winning kabaddi teams and medal winners in shooting, squash, table tennis and athletics.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated India’s medallists at the ongoing Asian Games 2026, praising the country’s gold-winning men’s and women’s kabaddi teams and commending medal-winning performances across squash, shooting, table tennis and athletics.
India’s women’s and men’s kabaddi teams successfully defended their respective Asian Games titles, while Indian athletes added medals in several individual and team events.
The Indian women’s kabaddi team defeated Iran 37-34 in a closely contested final to retain the Asian Games gold medal.
India held its composure during a tense finish to secure its second consecutive women’s kabaddi title.
Congratulating the team, Modi praised the players for their courage, composure and teamwork.
“What a thrilling final and a magnificent Gold for the Women’s Kabaddi Team! Congratulations to our players,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
India’s men’s kabaddi team also retained its gold medal after defeating Iran 40-34 in the final.
After Iran held a narrow advantage at half-time, India produced a strong second-half performance to take control of the contest and successfully defend the title won at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.
The victory marked India’s ninth men’s kabaddi gold medal in Asian Games history.
Modi congratulated the team, saying its determination had brought pride to the country and could inspire the next generation of kabaddi players.
The Prime Minister also congratulated Prachi Choudhary after she won the bronze medal in the women’s 400 metres.
Modi praised her performance and said her run had earned India a place on the Asian Games podium.
He wished the athlete continued success in her future competitions.
Indian squash players Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar secured a bronze medal in the mixed doubles event.
The Indian pair lost a closely fought semifinal against Hong Kong, China’s Lee Ka Yi and Tang Ming Hong, 10-11, 11-2, 10-11. Their appearance in the semifinals assured them of a bronze medal.
Modi congratulated the pair and praised their skill and determination.
India added another silver through Tilottama Sen, Vidarsa Vinod Kochalumkal and Ashi Chouksey in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions team event.
The Indian trio finished second with a score of 1,763, behind China’s 1,773. Kazakhstan took the bronze medal with 1,754.
Modi described the performance as a fine display of precision and congratulated the three shooters on their medal.
India’s Manush Shah and Diya Chitale won bronze in mixed doubles table tennis after reaching the semifinals.
The Indian pair lost 0-4 to China’s Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, with their semifinal appearance securing a bronze medal.
Modi congratulated the duo and described the medal as another proud moment for the growing popularity of table tennis in India.
Indian shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor won silver in the men’s event with a best throw of 20.64 metres.
Iran’s Mohammadreza Tayebi claimed gold with a Games-record throw of 20.81 metres, while Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Tolu won bronze with 20.48 metres.
The silver gave Toor his third consecutive Asian Games medal, following gold medals at the 2018 Jakarta and 2022 Hangzhou Games.
Modi praised Toor’s consistency and perseverance and congratulated him on adding another Asian Games medal to his career.
The Prime Minister also congratulated Sawan Barwal after his silver-medal performance in the men’s marathon.
Modi described the achievement as historic, noting that Barwal’s performance included a new national record and marked India’s first medal in the Asian Games marathon in more than four decades.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of the achievement as India’s first Asian Games marathon medal won outside the country.
He praised Barwal’s endurance and determination and wished him success in his future competitions.
The series of podium finishes across team sports, shooting, squash, table tennis and athletics reflects the breadth of India’s campaign at the 2026 Asian Games.
With the kabaddi teams successfully defending their titles and athletes adding medals across multiple disciplines, the Indian contingent continues to feature prominently in the continental competition.
