Anurag Thakur Lauds Asian Games Success, Slams Sports Politics
BJP MP Anurag Thakur lauds India's 85-medal haul at the Asian Games 2026 and calls for an end to politics in sports associations.
BJP MP Anurag Thakur has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Indian athletes following their impressive performance at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. While celebrating the nation's achievements, the lawmaker issued a strong call to action, urging state governments to increase investment and demanding an end to the internal politics that plague sports associations.
A Historic Medal Haul and Team Dominance
India concluded its campaign with a total of 85 medals, comprising 21 gold, 27 silver, and 37 bronze. Although this total fell short of the record 106 medals achieved during the 2023 Hangzhou Games, the 2026 campaign was defined by unprecedented dominance in team sports.
The Indian contingent achieved a spectacular clean sweep in the disciplines where they entered both men's and women's categories. Key highlights included:
- Cricket: The men's team secured gold after a thrilling 19-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the final.
- Hockey: India maintained its supremacy by clinching gold medals in both the men's and women's events.
- Kabaddi: Another perfect run, with India taking home gold in both categories.
- Golf: A historic milestone was reached as a female golfer secured India's first-ever gold medal in the sport at the Asian Games.
The Need for Structural Reform
Despite the celebrations, Anurag Thakur emphasized that there is significant work remaining to elevate India's sporting stature. He pointed toward two critical areas: funding and administrative integrity.
"Federations, associations, and state governments still have a lot to do," Thakur stated. He noted that while the central government has significantly boosted support through the 'Khelo India' initiative—allocating approximately Rs 36,000 crore for the next five years—sports remains a state subject. He argued that unless state governments increase their budgets and the number of available coaches, the progress will be limited.
Furthermore, he took aim at the administrative hurdles hindering athletes, stressing that the elimination of "politics within sports associations" is essential for the country to achieve even greater heights on the international stage.
Looking Ahead to 2030
With India set to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, the pressure is on for the nation to build a robust sporting ecosystem. Thakur’s remarks serve as a reminder that podium finishes require more than just talent; they require sustained financial commitment and clean governance within the sporting bodies.
In the overall standings, India finished fourth. The games were dominated by China, which secured 341 medals (169 gold), followed by host nation Japan in second place (269 medals, 83 gold) and South Korea in third (150 medals, 39 gold).