Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while interacting with India’s Asian Games 2026 contingent at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday, highlighted the government’s efforts over the past 10–12 years to build a transparent and modern sports ecosystem, backed by initiatives such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and the expanded Khelo India programme. Attributing the transformation to a far-reaching vision and sustained efforts, he said the government had committed substantial financial resources to expanding grassroots sports and strengthening sports federations. “To expand Khelo India and strengthen sports federations, more than 36 thousand crore rupees were allocated,” PM Modi said.
Detailing the expansion of grassroots sports infrastructure, the Prime Minister referred to the establishment of more than a thousand Khelo India Centres and the development of stadiums, multi-purpose halls, athletics tracks, football and hockey grounds, and swimming pools across the country. He also highlighted financial assistance for athletes, including a monthly out-of-pocket allowance of ₹50,000 under TOPS and support for overseas coaching. “If there is a need to go outside the country for coaching in any sport, the government is facilitating that too and providing financial assistance for it,” he said.
PM Modi Congratulates Athletes on Asian Games Success
Interacting with the Indian contingent that participated in the Asian Games 2026, PM Modi praised the athletes for bringing immense pride to 140 crore citizens and said their achievements reflected the power of dedication and determination.
“All of you young athletes are examples of how when passion turns into victory, it brings a glow to faces along with medals,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister congratulated the athletes, coaches, support staff and their families, noting that the contingent’s achievements had brought pride to the country. He said the true measure of success lay in enhancing the honour and glory of the national flag.
“Therefore, your success is not yours alone; it is also the success of crores of citizens of the country,” he said.
Remembering former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary, PM Modi paid tribute to the visionary leader, saying his life and outlook continued to inspire the nation. “His life and his vision are an inspiration for all of us,” he said.
Highlights India’s Historic Performances Across Disciplines
Recalling India’s achievements at the Asian Games, the Prime Minister highlighted the gold medals won by both the men’s and women’s hockey teams, with the women’s team ending a 44-year wait for gold. He also noted the consecutive medals won by both cricket teams, the gold medals secured by the men’s and women’s kabaddi teams, and India’s five gold medals in archery.
PM Modi praised the performances of Indian athletes in shooting, boxing and wrestling, the new records set in athletics, a weightlifting medal after 28 years and the first marathon success since 1982.
“This time the Asian Games have been memorable for us in many ways,” he said.
Women Athletes Account for 38 of India’s 85 Medals
PM Modi lauded the contribution of women athletes, who won 38 of India’s 85 medals, including 11 gold medals. He said their achievements represented more than numbers and reflected an empowered New India.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s maiden Asian Games medals in disciplines such as mixed martial arts and soft tennis, as well as specific sailing events.
“Today India is winning medals even in those sports in which we had never won a medal in the history of the Asian Games before,” he said.
Calls for Greater Participation and a Stronger Sporting Culture
Emphasising the need to build a stronger sporting culture, PM Modi recalled a time when India had limited participation across several international sporting disciplines. He said the country previously had no representation in more than half of the Olympic events and stressed that athletes must first participate and compete to win medals.
“If we do not even compete, how will we bring medals?” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted a decisive shift in national sporting policy, saying the government had resolved to overcome the historic apathy and self-doubt that had limited India’s participation in international sports. He said this determination had contributed to a rise in the number of Indian athletes competing at international events.
“We took this resolution that we will remove this pessimistic mindset!” PM Modi said.
He also highlighted initiatives such as the Winter Games, Sansad Khel Pratiyogitas and the new Khelo Bharat Niti, while praising Divyang athletes for bringing laurels to the country. He said athletes now had greater confidence that the nation stood behind them throughout their sporting journeys.
“Today every player has this confidence that the country stands with them throughout their entire journey,” he said.
Focus on Young Talent, LA Olympics 2028 and 2036 Olympic Ambition
Pointing to the performances of athletes aged 15–17 in the Indian contingent, PM Modi stressed the importance of identifying and nurturing sporting talent at an early age. He highlighted the focus on children aged five to 15 through Khelo India and Emerging Khelo India initiatives.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, India’s hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games and its ambition to host the 2036 Olympics, the Prime Minister recalled his announcement from the Red Fort about identifying sporting talent at the village level.
“These very players will bring medals for India in the times to come,” PM Modi said.
Urging athletes to aim higher, PM Modi led the contingent in a collective pledge to pursue excellence, develop world-class sporting infrastructure, establish India among the leading sporting nations and strengthen the country’s position as a global sports hub.
“A champion from every corner of India, we will do it!” he said.
Sports Creating New Opportunities for Youth
Linking India’s sporting achievements to the broader aspirations of its youth, the Prime Minister said young Indians were also driving innovation in startups, space, satellite technology, defence and artificial intelligence. He noted that, much like in sports, young people from small towns and villages were contributing to the country’s entrepreneurial growth, supported by a decade of systemic reforms and an enabling ecosystem.
“They have the trust that to take their dreams forward, the entire capability of the country stands with them,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the growing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities emerging from the expansion of the sports sector. Fields such as coaching, physiotherapy, sports management and sports broadcasting, he said, were creating new avenues for young people beyond competitive sport.
“This has created new avenues of employment and enterprise for the youth,” he said.
Urges Medal Winners to Mentor the Next Generation
PM Modi encouraged medal-winning athletes to share their experiences with aspiring sportspersons by visiting schools, returning to their former playing grounds and engaging with children in their villages and cities.
He said interactions with successful athletes could motivate young people to pursue sports and help them overcome hesitation about entering the field.
“Perhaps, a small word from you might give a child the courage to move ahead in sports,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister also underscored the broader value of sports in shaping character, saying athletics instilled discipline, adaptability, perseverance towards long-term goals and the ability to recover from setbacks. These qualities, he said, remained useful throughout life.
“This very sportsperson spirit comes in handy throughout life,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi Reaffirms Vision of a Sporting and Developed India
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister reiterated the maxim that “one who plays, will flourish” and described the enthusiasm of India’s athletes as New India’s greatest strength.
He led the contingent in another collective pledge, linking India’s sporting ambitions with the broader goals of Viksit Bharat by 2047, becoming one of the world’s top three economies, achieving self-reliance, emerging as a global manufacturing hub, advancing technological leadership and expanding space exploration.
PM also reiterated the country’s aspiration to host the Olympic Games and extended his best wishes to the athletes for their future competitions.
“With this very self-confidence, we have to take India to new heights,” he said.
-PIB Inputs
