PM Modi to Meet Indian Athletes Ahead of Asian Games 2026

New Delhi, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Indian athletes participating in the Asian Games 2026 on Thursday. The gathering will take place at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.

Scheduled for approximately 4:30 PM IST, the Prime Minister will address the attendees, which will include athletes, coaches, support staff, officials from the Indian Olympic Association, representatives from national sports federations, and officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

India excelled in the previous Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, securing a total of 85 medals—21 gold, 27 silver, and 37 bronze. This achievement placed India fourth in the medal tally, marking the second consecutive time the country has ranked among the top five nations, highlighting its growing competitiveness across various sports.

The recent edition of the Asian Games saw India achieve several historic milestones. Notably, the country made a remarkable impact in recurve archery, setting new records. Additionally, for the first time, both the men’s and women’s hockey teams clinched gold medals in the same Asian Games, enhancing India’s pride on the international stage.

India also made its mark in new sports, winning medals in soft tennis and mixed martial arts (MMA) for the first time. The country celebrated its first gold medal in women’s trap shooting, a significant achievement. Furthermore, Indian athletes delivered a stellar performance in weightlifting, earning a silver medal after 28 years in this sport at the Asian Games.

In Greco-Roman wrestling, India ended a 64-year wait for a silver medal, with an Indian wrestler reaching the finals for the first time in decades. These accomplishments demonstrate India’s continuous progress not only in traditional sports but also in emerging disciplines, solidifying its presence on the Asian platform.