Indian Army Honors Medal-Winning Athletes from Asian Games

New Delhi, October 12 (Daily Kiran) : General Dheeraj Seth, the Chief of Army Staff, honored military athletes who excelled at the Asian Games on Monday in New Delhi. He praised their dedication, discipline, and hard work during the ceremony. The Army aims to nurture young talent by providing proper training and facilities to prepare them for international competitions, including the Olympics.

Indian Army athletes made a remarkable impact at the 2026 Asian Games, securing 20 medals in total—6 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze. This achievement contributed nearly 24 percent to India’s overall medal tally of 85 at the Games. The focus now shifts to preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Notably, some athletes set new records in Indian sports. Naib Subedar Neeru Dhanda won two gold and one silver medal, becoming the first Indian woman to clinch an individual gold in women’s trap shooting at the Asian Games. In athletics, Naib Subedar Gulveer Singh earned three individual medals.

Havildar Sawan Barwal brought home a silver medal in the marathon, ending a 44-year wait for India in this event. Havildar Ankush also showcased the Army’s talent by winning a gold medal. The Army’s impressive performance extended beyond the Asian Games, as they also excelled at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow earlier in 2026, claiming 16 medals, including 8 gold, 7 silver, and 1 bronze, which accounted for 41 percent of India’s total medal count.

The Army’s Mission Olympic Wing is dedicated to training athletes. This initiative provides access to expert coaching, sports science, modern technology, balanced nutrition, injury prevention, and international competition opportunities. The goal is to enhance athletes’ capabilities and prepare them for world-class challenges.

With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a primary target, the Army plans to focus on personalized training, performance improvement, and nurturing a new generation of potential medal winners, building on the success achieved at the Commonwealth and Asian Games.

General Dheeraj Seth expressed confidence that Army athletes will continue to bring pride to the nation through their determination, discipline, and outstanding performances. The Indian Army is committed to developing sports talent and contributing significantly to making India a leading sports power globally.