'Different Energy': Asian Games 2026 Heroes Open Up After Meeting PM Modi
India's Asian Games 2026 medalists, including Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain, share their experiences meeting PM Modi at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.
India's sporting stars from the Asian Games 2026 recently gathered at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi for a high-spirited interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event, which brought together athletes, coaches, and officials, served as a celebration of India's performance at the continental multi-sport event and a platform for the Prime Minister to motivate the contingent.
A Dream Come True for Kumkum Mohod
Among the attendees was archer Kumkum Mohod, who has etched her name in history by securing India's first-ever women's individual recurve archery gold at the Asian Games. In addition to her individual triumph, Mohod won a gold with the women's team alongside Kirti Sharma and Ankita Bhakat, and a silver in the mixed recurve event with Dhiraj Bommadevara.
Sharing her excitement about meeting the Prime Minister for the first time, Mohod described it as a dream come true. She recalled a poignant moment when the Prime Minister accepted a gift from her hand on behalf of the entire team.
The celebrations for Mohod didn't end at the stadium. She revealed that her homecoming was filled with surprises, as her father gifted her a new mobile phone and a scooter to mark her historic achievement.
Lovlina Borgohain on the 'Different Environment'
Gold medalist Lovlina Borgohain, who dominated the women's 75 kg boxing category, spoke about the unique aura the Prime Minister brings to such interactions. Having previously viewed him from a distance, Lovlina expressed how sitting right beside him created a surge of energy and a completely different atmosphere.
"Whenever we come to meet him, it creates a different environment... That was a completely different energy," she remarked.
Lovlina's commitment to the event was evident, as she revealed that she cut short a family vacation in Vietnam specifically to attend the interaction. She emphasized that such meetings are incredibly special, especially for the young athletes debuting at the Asian Games.
Furthermore, the boxer highlighted the importance of the government's vision for the future, specifically India's preparations to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the ambitious bid for the 2036 Olympic Games, noting that these goals provide significant motivation for the sporting community.
Mirabai Chanu: Support Beyond the Podium
Olympic silver medalist and Asian Games silver medalist Mirabai Chanu, who competed in the women's 49 kg weightlifting category, praised the Prime Minister's consistent approach toward athletes. She noted that his encouragement is not contingent on whether a player brings home a medal.
According to Chanu, the Prime Minister's ability to motivate athletes during their lows is what provides them with the most strength. She explained that while medal wins lead to discussions about future planning, failures are treated as a natural part of a sportsperson's journey, with the Prime Minister urging them to look forward rather than dwell on disappointment.
The interaction also included other medalists, such as sailor Nethra Kumanan, who secured a bronze medal, as the contingent reflected on their journey and the road ahead for Indian sports.