PM Modi Inspires Asian Games 2026 Athletes to Engage with Youth

Prime Minister Modi's Encouragement to Athletes

New Delhi, October 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the athletes representing India at the Asian Games 2026 to connect with children in their hometowns and revisit the fields where their athletic journeys began. He emphasized the significance of sharing their experiences to inspire the younger generation to pursue sports.

During an interaction at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, PM Modi addressed the athletes, coaches, and officials, celebrating India's achievements at the continental multi-sport event.

In his speech, he stated, “Whenever you have the chance, engage with the children from your villages and cities. Visit various schools and return to the grounds where you first played. Your stories can greatly motivate these children. A simple conversation with you might ignite a passion for sports in them.”

He highlighted that the lessons learned from sports extend beyond the field, teaching discipline and resilience in the face of setbacks.

“The youth of our nation draw inspiration not just from your athleticism. The essence of sports transcends the playing field. It instills discipline in life, the ability to rise after a fall, and the perseverance to achieve goals. Sports become integral to our daily lives, and the spirit of sportsmanship is invaluable throughout life. I often say, ‘Jo Khelega, Woh Khilega’ (the one who plays, will shine),” he remarked.

Wishing the athletes success in their future competitions, PM Modi noted that their “enthusiasm and self-confidence are the greatest assets of New India.” He encouraged them to chant together, ‘Viksit Bharat at 2047, we will do it.’

He added that the nation’s success at the Asian Games reflects a transformative spirit within the country.

“This is a testament to how eager our youth are to achieve greatness. No challenge is insurmountable for the determination of India’s youth. An endless array of opportunities lies ahead, and it is our young people who are paving the way. In a remarkably short time, India has become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with young innovators making strides in the space sector, developing satellite technology, and creating advancements in defense and artificial intelligence,” he concluded.

The Indian women's cricket team, which secured a gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Games in Japan, also participated in the event after arriving from Raipur. Veteran player Harmanpreet Kaur presented a signed jersey to the Prime Minister.

During the interaction, athletes honored PM Modi with signed jerseys, a signed hockey stick, and a shawl. The men’s and women’s hockey teams also gifted jerseys, while women’s team captain Salima Tete presented a hockey stick.

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya was present at the gathering, seated among the athletes as PM Modi began his address. Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha were also in attendance.

The event included members of the Indian contingent, their coaches, support staff, IOA officials, representatives from National Sports Federations, and officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

India finished fourth in the medal tally at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, amassing a total of 85 medals: 21 gold, 27 silver, and 37 bronze. This marked India's second consecutive top-five finish at the event. The country achieved a historic gold sweep in three major team sports: field hockey, cricket, and kabaddi, with all six participating teams earning medals.

Additionally, the contingent celebrated several remarkable milestones, including gold medals for both men’s and women’s hockey teams in the same edition, historic performances in recurve archery, and India’s first medals in soft tennis and mixed martial arts (MMA).

India also claimed its inaugural gold medal in the women’s trap shooting event, while a silver in weightlifting ended a 28-year wait for an Asian Games medal in that discipline. A silver in Greco-Roman wrestling marked a significant achievement, concluding a 64-year wait for an Indian finalist in that event.