'Stay Grounded': Asian Games Gold Medallist Sahil Rajesh Jadhav Honoured
Asian Games gold medallists Sahil Rajesh Jadhav and Kirti Sharma were felicitated by SAI Kolkata for their historic archery triumphs in Japan.
In a grand celebration of sporting excellence, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Kolkata, recently hosted a felicitation ceremony to honour the triumphant return of India's stars from the Asian Games 2026 held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The event spotlighted the extraordinary achievements of archers Sahil Rajesh Jadhav and Kirti Sharma, who both secured gold medals, and rower Satnam Singh, who brought home a bronze.
Archery Dominance: Sahil and Kirti's Golden Run
The ceremony highlighted India's surging prowess in international archery. Sahil Rajesh Jadhav emerged as a standout performer, clinching two gold medals in the men’s compound team event and the mixed compound team event. Beyond the medals, Sahil achieved a critical milestone by securing a quota spot for India in the mixed compound event for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Adding to the glory, Kirti Sharma was celebrated for her role in the women’s recurve event, where she and her teammates secured a historic gold medal for the nation.
Speaking at the event, Sahil expressed his gratitude toward his mentors and the infrastructure provided by the state. "I want to thank my coaches at SAI for their guidance. It is important to stay grounded and continue to work hard after achieving success," he remarked, emphasizing the need for humility despite the accolades.
Breaking Barriers in Rowing
The event also honoured Satnam Singh for his bronze medal in the men's double sculls. His victory was particularly poignant as it marked India's first-ever Asian Games medal in this specific event.
Satnam shared the mental struggle he faced leading up to the win, revealing a last-minute change in plans. "I was confident of winning a medal in the men’s quadruple sculls. But in the last moment I was told to compete in the double sculls. I was not confident initially, but was determined to give my best," Satnam recounted.
He noted that by winning this medal alongside his partner Salman Khan, they have shattered a long-standing psychological barrier, paving the way for future Indian rowers to excel in the double sculls.
The Architects of Success: The Coaches
The celebration was not limited to the athletes; the mentors who shaped these champions were also in the spotlight:
- Haresh Kumar, who trains Sahil at SAI NCOE Kolkata.
- Udham Singh, the coach for Kirti at SAI STC Hazaribagh.
- Inderpal Singh, an Arjuna Awardee and coach at SAI Jagatpur, who guided Satnam Singh.
Official Praise for Indian Spirit
Sibananda Mishra, the Regional Director of SAI NCOE, lauded the athletes and their support systems for elevating India's profile on the global stage. He stated that the achievements of Sahil, Kirti, and Satnam are a matter of immense national pride and reflect the "dedication, perseverance and competitive spirit" that define the current state of Indian sports.
The ceremony concluded with SAI extending its congratulations to the athletes and their teams, wishing them continued success as they prepare for future international challenges, including the road to Los Angeles 2028.