Gold Glory: Ashwini Vaishnaw Honors Women’s Kabaddi Champions
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw honored the Indian women’s Kabaddi team at Rail Bhawan after their thrilling gold medal win at the 2026 Asian Games.
Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, hosted a special reception at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi on Friday to celebrate the triumphant return of the Indian Women’s Kabaddi Team. The athletes, who secured the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, were honored for their exceptional performance and for keeping the gold in India.
A Nail-Biting Finale in Japan
The road to gold was anything but easy. In a high-stakes final held on September 26, 2026, the Indian women faced off against a formidable Iranian side. In a closely contested battle of strength and strategy, India emerged victorious with a narrow 37-34 win. This victory was particularly significant as it allowed India to successfully defend its Asian Games title, cementing its dominance in the sport.
Minister Praises Grit and Determination
During the meeting, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw extended his heartfelt congratulations to the sportspersons, particularly those representing Indian Railways. He lauded the team for their unwavering dedication and sporting excellence, noting that their hard work had made the Tricolour fly high on the international stage.
"The players have made the country proud through their determination and excellence, bringing immense laurels to India," the Minister remarked during the interaction.
The Architects of Victory
The gold-winning campaign was led by Captain Pushpa Rana and guided by the strategic expertise of Head Coach Neeta Moreshwar Dadwe. The reception highlighted the significant contribution of Indian Railways' athletes to the national squad. Among those who met the Minister were:
- Neeta Moreshwar Dadwe (Head Coach, South Central Railway)
- Ritu Negi (South Central Railway)
- Pinky Roy (South Central Railway)
- Pooja (Northern Railway)
- Sonali Vishnu Shingate (Western Railway)
- Raj Rani (Western Railway)
Indian Railways: A Cradle for Sporting Talent
The success of these athletes underscores the long-standing commitment of Indian Railways to sports. Through the Railway Sports Promotion Board, the institution has consistently nurtured talent, providing a unique ecosystem where athletes can pursue professional sporting careers alongside stable employment.
This institutional support has enabled Railway sportspersons to represent India across the most prestigious global platforms, including the Olympic Games, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and the Asian Games, continuing a legacy of contributing to India's overall sporting growth.