14 to 114: PM Modi Hails India's Historic Leap at Asian Para Games
PM Modi praises para-athletes as India's Asian Para Games medal tally jumps from 14 in 2010 to 114 in 2026, highlighting record-breaking feats.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the extraordinary growth of India's performance at the Asian Para Games, celebrating a massive surge in the India Asian Para Games medals tally. The Prime Minister highlighted a remarkable journey of excellence, noting that the country has climbed from winning just 14 medals during the inaugural edition in 2010 to a staggering 114 medals in 2026.
The Prime Minister expressed his admiration for the grit and determination of the athletes during a special interaction at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi. He was joined by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse to personally congratulate the champions.
A Meteoric Rise in Sporting Excellence
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) after the meeting, PM Modi emphasized that the jump from 14 to 114 medals is more than just a statistic; it is a testament to the immense potential and raw talent residing within Indian para-athletes.
The 2026 campaign was marked by several high-water marks, including:
- 30 Gold Medals that solidified India's position as a sporting powerhouse.
- 5 World Records and 9 Asian Records shattered by Indian athletes.
- 4 events where Indian athletes achieved a complete sweep of the podium.
Breaking Barriers: Debutants and Women Shine
The Prime Minister pointed out two specific data points that highlighted the depth of India's current talent pool. First, the emergence of new faces was evident, as 36 out of the 61 athletes making their Asian Para Games debut managed to secure medals.
Furthermore, the performance of women athletes was a major highlight of the Games. Out of 56 women who represented the country, 34 returned home as medal winners, proving that determination knows no gender.
"Our athletes have shown that no dream is too big and no challenge too great when there is determination. Those days are long over when society frowned upon youngsters who wanted to pursue sports. Now, if you have the talent, India will support you and cheer for you," PM Modi stated.
Doing More With Less
What makes the 2026 achievement even more impressive is the efficiency of the Indian contingent. India surpassed its previous record of 108 medals (which included 27 gold, 32 silver, and 49 bronze) despite sending a significantly smaller team to the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
While the previous edition in Hangzhou saw 309 athletes representing the nation, the 2026 squad consisted of only 168 para-athletes. Despite the smaller numbers, the result was a higher medal count, exceeding all expectations and showcasing a higher strike rate of success per athlete.