Indian Athletes Celebrate Success at Asian Games with PM Modi
Celebrating Achievements with the Prime Minister
In New Delhi on October 16, athletes from India's Asian Games team, including Lovlina Borgohain, archer Kumkum Mohod, weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, and sailor Nethra Kumanan, expressed their joy after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This gathering took place at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, where athletes, coaches, and officials came together to celebrate the nation's achievements at the recent continental multi-sport event.
Kumkum Mohod, who made history by winning India's first-ever women's individual recurve archery gold, shared her excitement about meeting the Prime Minister for the first time. "It was a dream come true to meet him. Our team presented him with a gift, which he accepted from my hands. It was a wonderful experience," she remarked.
Upon returning home, Kumkum received a warm welcome, including a scooter and a mobile phone from her father, which added to her joy.
Lovlina Borgohain, who secured a gold medal in the women's 75 kg boxing category, described the atmosphere during her meeting with PM Modi as inspiring. "Sitting next to him created a unique energy. It was a special moment, especially for the young athletes participating for the first time," she noted, mentioning that she returned from a family trip to Vietnam just to attend this event.
Mirabai Chanu, an Olympic silver medallist, expressed her enthusiasm about the interaction, emphasizing that PM Modi's encouragement is unwavering, regardless of whether athletes win medals. "His motivation helps us focus on the future, and it felt great to meet him today," she stated.
Nethra Kumanan, who won a bronze medal in the women's dinghy event, described the meeting as a significant honor that would motivate her for future competitions. "Meeting the Prime Minister is always a huge honor, and it inspires us to keep pushing forward," she said.
The Indian women's cricket team, which won gold at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, also participated in the event, with veteran player Harmanpreet Kaur presenting a signed jersey to PM Modi. During the gathering, athletes honored the Prime Minister with signed jerseys, a hockey stick, and a shawl.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and other dignitaries were present as PM Modi addressed the athletes. The event included members of the Indian contingent, coaches, and officials from various sports federations.
India finished fourth in the medal tally at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, securing a total of 85 medals, including 21 gold, 27 silver, and 37 bronze. This marked India's second consecutive top-five finish at the event, with notable achievements across various sports, including a gold medal sweep in field hockey, cricket, and kabaddi.