Prime Minister Modi Celebrates Indian Athletes' Achievements at Asian Games 2026

PM Modi Applauds Seema Kumari's Bronze in 10,000m

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his congratulations to Seema Kumari for her remarkable bronze medal win in the women's 10,000m event at the Asian Games. He commended her determination, endurance, and hard work. The Prime Minister's Office shared a message on X, stating, "Proud of Seema on winning the Bronze Medal in the Women’s 10,000m at the Asian Games! Congrats to her. Her determined performance has brought India a medal in this event after many years. A wonderful achievement that reflects endurance, discipline, and years of hard work. Wishing her many more successes in the times ahead: PM @narendramodi." Seema maintained her position throughout the race and surged ahead in the final stages to clinch third place. The gold and silver medals were contested in a close finish between Winfred Yavi and Nozomi Tanaka, while Seema's bronze contributed to India's athletics medal tally at the Games.

Historic Bronze in Skeet Mixed Team Event

The Prime Minister also congratulated Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Parinaaz Dhaliwal for winning the bronze medal in the skeet mixed team event, marking India's first-ever medal in this category at the Asian Games. The PMO's post on X read, "Congratulations to Parinaaz Dhaliwal and Anantjeet Singh Naruka on winning the Bronze Medal in the Skeet Mixed Team event at the Asian Games. Their achievement marks India’s first-ever medal in this event at the Asian Games. Best wishes to both of them! May this success inspire many more milestones in the times to come: PM @narendramodi." The duo secured the bronze with a total score of 44 across six series, while China set a new world record with a score of 52 to win gold, and South Korea took silver with 51 points.

Men's Badminton Team Achieves Bronze Medal

PM Modi also recognized the Indian men's badminton team for their bronze medal achievement. He stated, "Congratulations to our Men’s Badminton Team on winning the Bronze Medal at the Asian Games! This medal reflects their passion and hard work. The entire team displayed great spirit throughout the competition. Best wishes to them for the events ahead: PM @narendramodi."

Match Highlights

In the men's badminton team event, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty secured India's only victory in the tie, defeating reigning world champions Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang with scores of 21-11, 22-20 in the men's doubles match. Lakshya Sen faced Shi Yuqi in the opening match but lost 21-16, 21-18. Despite a strong start, Lakshya could not maintain his lead as Shi fought back. Satwik and Chirag, the reigning Asian Games men's doubles champions, then showcased their skills against the world No. 3 Chinese pair, managing to level the tie at 1-1. However, Ayush Shetty lost to world No. 12 Li Shi Feng, giving China a 2-1 lead. In a crucial fourth match, Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun faced He Ji Ting and Liu Yi but were defeated, ending India's hopes of reaching the finals again. India had already secured a medal after a 3-0 victory against hosts Japan in the quarter-finals.