SAI Kolkata Celebrates Asian Games 2026 Medal Winners
SAI Kolkata Honors Asian Games 2026 Medalists
On October 26, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Kolkata recognized the achievements of Asian Games medallists Sahil Rajesh Jadhav and Kirti Sharma, who both excelled in archery at the 2026 Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Additionally, rower Satnam Singh was honored for securing a bronze medal in the men's double sculls event during this prestigious competition.
Coaches Acknowledged for Their Contributions
The event also celebrated the contributions of the athletes' coaches: Haresh Kumar, Udham Singh, and Inderpal Singh. Haresh Kumar trains Sahil at SAI NCOE Kolkata, while Udham Singh is Kirti's coach at SAI STC Hazaribagh. Inderpal Singh, an Arjuna Awardee, coaches Satnam at SAI Jagatpur.
Athletes Share Their Experiences
Sahil expressed gratitude towards his coach, Haresh Kumar, emphasizing the importance of SAI's support in his journey. He stated, "I want to thank my coaches at SAI for their guidance. It is crucial to remain humble and continue striving for excellence after achieving success."
Satnam reflected on the challenges he faced leading up to his historic medal win, noting, "I was initially confident about competing in the men’s quadruple sculls but was switched to the double sculls at the last minute. Despite my doubts, I was determined to perform my best. This victory has broken the psychological barrier for future competitions in this event."
Recognition and Future Aspirations
Sibananda Mishra, the Regional Director of SAI NCOE, praised the athletes and their coaches for their contributions to Indian sports. He remarked, "The accomplishments of Sahil Rajesh Jadhav, Kirti Sharma, and Satnam Singh are a source of immense pride for our nation. Their performances at the Asian Games 2026 exemplify the dedication and competitive spirit that characterize Indian athletes. SAI extends its congratulations to the athletes and their teams, wishing them continued success in their future endeavors."
Archery and Rowing Achievements
Sahil and Kirti's gold medals at the Asian Games highlight India's rising prowess in international archery. Sahil clinched two golds, excelling in both the men’s compound team and mixed compound team events, while Kirti contributed to a historic gold in the women’s recurve event. Furthermore, Sahil secured a quota spot for India in the mixed compound event for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, marking a significant step in the country's Olympic preparations.
Satnam Singh's bronze medal in the men's double sculls further underscores India's competitive edge in rowing at the Asian level, showcasing the discipline and resilience required to succeed in such a demanding sport.