'Nation Filled With Pride': PM Modi Hails Para-Athletes' Record-Breaking Asian Para Games Haul
PM Narendra Modi hails Indian para-athletes for winning a record 114 medals at the Asian Para Games 2026, marking a historic leap in sports.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed his immense pride and admiration for the Indian para-athletes who delivered a historic performance at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Japan. Meeting the champions at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi, the Prime Minister celebrated a record-breaking haul that signals India's ascent as a global sporting powerhouse.
Accompanied by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, PM Modi interacted with the athletes, emphasizing that their achievements are a testament to their grit and the evolving sports culture in the country.
A Quantum Leap: From 14 to 114 Medals
The Prime Minister highlighted the staggering growth of India's success in para-sports over the last decade. He recalled a time when India's presence in international competitions was often viewed as a mere formality, noting that in the 2010 Asian Para Games, the country secured only 14 medals, including a single gold.
Fast forward to 2026, and the numbers tell a story of transformation. India secured a total of 114 medals, comprising:
- 30 Gold Medals
- 35 Silver Medals
- 49 Bronze Medals
Beyond the medal tally, the Prime Minister pointed out that the contingent established 5 new world records and 9 Asian records. He specifically lauded the "miracle" of the final day, where Indian athletes stormed the podium to win 9 gold medals.
Celebrating the 'Daughters of India' and Emotional Triumphs
PM Modi placed a special emphasis on the contribution of female athletes, noting that out of the 56 women in the contingent, 34 emerged as medal winners. He praised their strength and determination in bringing glory to the nation.
In a poignant moment during his address, the Prime Minister recalled the story of javelin thrower Rinku. Having lost his mother just two months before the Games, Rinku displayed incredible fortitude to win gold. PM Modi shared how the image of Rinku lifting his mother's photograph to dedicate the medal to her had moved the entire nation to tears.
Overcoming a Broken System
Reflecting on the journey, the Prime Minister acknowledged the systemic hurdles that once plagued Indian sports. He mentioned that prior to 2014, a lack of transparency, inadequate resources, and a general absence of support made parents hesitant to encourage their children to pursue sports as a career.
"The disarray of the system, lack of resources, absence of support, lack of transparency—people would say that nothing could be done about this system. But just as you never gave up in the face of any difficulty, the country, too, kept its eyes only on its goal," PM Modi stated.
He credited the current success to a robust ecosystem developed to support athletes, ensuring that dedication is met with the necessary infrastructure and encouragement.
Surpassing Previous Milestones
This performance marks a significant improvement over the previous edition, where India had initially won 111 medals (27 gold, 32 silver, and 49 bronze), though that tally was later adjusted to 108 after three medals were stripped due to doping violations. By reaching 114 medals in Japan, the 2026 contingent has set a new benchmark for excellence in Indian para-sports.