Double Gold Glory: Harmanpreet, Savita and Tirkey Beaming After Meeting PM Modi
Indian hockey stars Harmanpreet Singh and Savita Punia share their experience meeting PM Modi after a historic double gold at the Asian Games 2026.
In a celebration of historic sporting achievement, Indian hockey icons Harmanpreet Singh, Savita Punia, and Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey have expressed their immense joy following a special interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting took place at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister greeted the Asian Games 2026 contingent, including athletes, coaches, and officials, to honor their stellar performance at the continental event.
A Historic Double Gold Triumph
The occasion marked a milestone in Indian sports history. For the first time ever, both the men's and women's hockey teams secured gold medals at the same continental showpiece. The men's team dominated the final with a convincing 5-1 victory over Malaysia, ensuring back-to-back gold medals for India. Meanwhile, the women's team clinched a hard-fought 1-0 win against China to claim the title.
Beyond the medals, the victory carried immense strategic weight, as both teams have now officially sealed their direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Tirkey Praises the Rise of Women's Hockey
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey highlighted the Prime Minister's appreciation for the women's team, noting that the victory is seen as a significant milestone. Tirkey pointed out the rapid evolution of the women's squad over the last six to seven months, citing their FIH Nations Cup triumph and a strong fifth-place finish in the FIH Hockey World Cup as precursors to their Asian Games success.
Tirkey specifically lauded the victory over China, an Olympic silver medalist and one of Asia's top teams. He attributed the win to a brilliant strategic approach, unwavering confidence from every player, and peak physical fitness that remained consistent from the opening match to the final.
Harmanpreet on the Prime Minister's Constant Support
Indian men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh spoke about the emotional impact of the warm welcome they received back home. He emphasized that Prime Minister Modi has maintained a consistent tradition of interacting with athletes both before they depart for major tournaments and after they return with victories.
"It was very good, actually. Usually, before going to major tournaments and after coming back, receiving such a warm welcome and getting best wishes is a very good thing, and I am very happy," Harmanpreet shared.
Savita Punia: An Inspiration for the Next Generation
For veteran goalkeeper and the team's most capped player, Savita Punia, the meeting was more than just a formality. She noted that the Prime Minister's specific mention of the women's team's gold—the first since the 1982 Asian Games—serves as a powerful catalyst for future athletes.
Savita revealed that the level of support Indian athletes receive is often a topic of conversation among international competitors. She mentioned that players from other countries frequently remark on how fortunate Indian athletes are to have the Prime Minister personally engage with them.
She concluded that the recognition of the women's team winning a medal after 44 years sends a "positive message" to the next generation, providing them with the inspiration needed to pursue excellence in sports.