PM Modi Congratulates Indian Athletes for Asian Games 2026 Medal Wins

New Delhi, September 25 (Daily Kiran) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Indian athletes Gulveer Singh, Manpreet Kaur, and Baranika Ilangovan for their impressive performances at the Asian Games 2026. The trio contributed significantly to India’s athletics medal tally, securing two silver and one bronze medal on Friday.

Gulveer Singh clinched a silver medal in the men’s 10,000 meters, finishing with a time of 28:29.38. He narrowly missed the gold, which went to Bahrain’s Birhanu Balew, who clocked in at 28:27.51. Albert Kiptoo of Bahrain took home the bronze with a time of 28:34.38. With this achievement, Gulveer became the first Indian to win two medals in the men’s 10,000 meters at the Asian Games, adding silver to the bronze he earned at the 2023 Hangzhou Games.

In a message posted on the official PMO X handle, Modi praised Gulveer, stating, “First bronze and now silver in Aichi-Nagoya. Gulveer Singh continues to make us proud on the Asian Games podium. Congratulations on his remarkable race in the men’s 10,000 meters. His determination and progress will inspire young long-distance runners across India.”

Gulveer maintained his position with the lead group for most of the race and stayed competitive until the final laps, ultimately securing the silver medal. Meanwhile, Manpreet Kaur achieved a bronze medal in the women’s shot put with a personal best throw of 17.17 meters, which she accomplished on her fourth attempt. She finished behind China’s Song Jiayuan and Zhang Linru.

Modi also commended Manpreet’s performance, saying, “Manpreet Kaur’s impressive effort in shot put secured her a bronze medal at the Asian Games. Congratulations to her, and I wish her continued success in the future.” This bronze medal was particularly significant for Manpreet, as she became only the third Indian woman to win a medal in shot put at the Asian Games, following Barbara Webster and Kiren Baliyan.

Having previously won medals at the Asian Athletics Championships, Manpreet finished fourth at the Commonwealth Games 2026. In Nagoya, she returned to the podium, while her teammate Krishna Jayashankar Menon placed fifth with a throw of 16.57 meters.

Baranika Ilangovan made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a medal in the women’s pole vault event at the Asian Games. The 29-year-old athlete shared the bronze medal with Kazakhstan’s Polina Ivanova after both cleared a height of 4.15 meters. Baranika achieved heights of 3.85 meters and 4.00 meters on her first attempts and cleared 4.15 meters on her second attempt, though she was unable to surpass 4.25 meters.

In his message to Baranika, Modi stated, “A special leap for India and a remarkable medal. Congratulations to Baranika Ilangovan for winning the bronze medal in women’s pole vault on her Asian Games debut. This achievement is a point of pride that will inspire many young athletes to take up the sport.”