India Shines at 2026 Asian Games: Anurag Thakur Calls for Enhanced Sports Investment

At the 2026 Asian Games, India achieved remarkable success, securing 85 medals, including 21 golds. BJP MP Anurag Thakur commended the athletes and emphasized the need for greater investment in sports by state governments. He called for the elimination of political interference in sports associations to enhance India's performance. Notably, India triumphed in cricket, kabaddi, and hockey, marking a historic campaign. Thakur also highlighted India's consistent victories over Pakistan in cricket, reinforcing the nation's competitive spirit. As India prepares for the Commonwealth Games in 2030, the focus on sports funding and infrastructure remains crucial for future success.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 5, 2026, 11:23 IST

Celebrating Indian Athletes' Success

BJP MP Anurag Thakur praised Indian athletes for their outstanding achievements at the 2026 Asian Games, emphasizing the need for increased investment in sports from state governments and the removal of political interference in sports associations. India concluded the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya with an impressive total of 85 medals, comprising 21 gold, 27 silver, and 37 bronze. The highlight of the event was India's clean sweep of gold medals in cricket, kabaddi, and hockey, marking a campaign filled with record-breaking performances and historic individual victories.

Thakur Advocates for Increased Sports Funding

In a statement to the press, Thakur commended the athletes for their remarkable performances, particularly in cricket, hockey, and golf. He urged state governments to boost sports budgets, hire more coaches, and eliminate political influences within sports organizations to enhance India's athletic success. He remarked, "I commend the Indian athletes for their exceptional achievements, especially in cricket and hockey, and the historic gold medal won by a female golfer. With the Commonwealth Games set to take place in India in 2030, federations and state governments must increase their budgets and coaching staff. The central government has significantly raised the budget, allocating several times more than previous administrations. Under the 'Khelo India' initiative, around Rs 36,000 crore is earmarked for the next five years. However, as sports fall under state jurisdiction, it is crucial for states to invest more and eliminate political issues within sports associations to achieve even greater success."

Thakur on India-Pakistan Cricket Rivalry

Thakur also addressed the cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan, highlighting India's consistent victories in these matches. Notably, the Indian men's cricket team triumphed over Pakistan by 19 runs in the final of the Asian Games 2026 cricket tournament, securing the gold medal. He stated, "Whenever an India-Pakistan match occurs, it is well-known that we ensure they face defeat, whether on the cricket field or elsewhere."

India's Performance Overview

India secured fourth place in the overall medal tally with 21 gold, 27 silver, and 37 bronze medals. China led the Games with a total of 341 medals, including 169 gold, while Japan, the host nation, came in second with 269 medals, of which 83 were gold. South Korea finished third with 150 medals, including 39 gold. Although India's 85 medals fell short of the record 106 medals, including 28 gold, achieved at the Hangzhou Games in 2023, the event showcased several significant accomplishments across various sports. The most notable success for India came in team sports, where the country secured gold medals in both men's and women's competitions in cricket, kabaddi, and hockey.