President Murmu Celebrates Indian Athletes' Success at Asian Games 2026
President Murmu Honors Medal Achievers
On September 21, President Droupadi Murmu extended her congratulations to Indian athletes Rudrankksh Patil, Himanshu Dhillon, and Suchika Tariyal for their remarkable achievements at the Asian Games 2026.
The President's official account on X acknowledged Rudrankksh Patil for clinching a bronze medal in the Men's 10m Air Rifle Individual event, highlighting his accomplishment as a proud moment for India. The post stated, "Congratulations to Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil on securing the Bronze Medal in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle Individual event, culminating in a proud double podium finish for India at the Asian Games 2026. May you achieve many more successes in the years ahead."
Additionally, President Murmu praised Himanshu Dhillon for earning a silver medal in the Men's 10m Air Rifle Individual Final, commending his dedication and excellence in sports. The post read, "Warm congratulations to Himanshu Dhillon on winning the Silver Medal in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle Individual Final at the Asian Games 2026. Your impressive performance reflects your focus, dedication, and sporting excellence. May you continue to scale new heights and bring greater glory to India."
Furthermore, she recognized mixed martial arts athlete Suchika Tariyal for making history by winning a bronze medal in MMA at the Asian Games 2026. The post noted, "Congratulations to you, Suchika Tariyal, on creating history by winning the Bronze Medal in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) at the Asian Games 2026. With MMA making its debut at the Games, this achievement holds special significance for Indian sport. I wish you continued success and many more accomplishments."
India's Performance at the Asian Games
India showcased impressive performances across various sports at the Asian Games on Monday, achieving victories in kabaddi, boxing, and table tennis, while also competing in shooting, swimming, soft tennis, wushu, and sepaktakraw.
The Indian men's kabaddi team delivered a commanding 49-23 win against Japan in their Group A match. In boxing, Sumit progressed after defeating Bunjong Sinsiri in the men's 70kg Round of 32 bout. The women's table tennis team triumphed over Pakistan with a 3-0 victory in their Group F match.
In shooting, Rudrankksh Patil and Himanshu Dhillon qualified for the men's 10m air rifle individual final, finishing third and seventh, respectively, in the qualification round. Parth Mane placed 11th, while India secured a silver medal in the men's 10m air rifle team event.
In swimming, Srihari Nataraj qualified for the men's 50m backstroke final, while Rishabh Das served as a reserve. Mani Akash and Gitesh Shah did not qualify for the men's 50m freestyle final, and Dhanush Suresh was unable to advance to the men's 100m breaststroke final.
In soft tennis, Aadhya Tiwari and Jay Meena kicked off their mixed doubles Group B campaign with a 5-0 victory over Cambodia's Viva Chao-Chanroseka Khun. They also defeated Mongolia's Bud Nyamdorj-Enkhkhuslen Ganbaatar but were eliminated after losing to South Korea's Kim Yeon-hwa-Jaekyu Park in the group stage and subsequently to the Philippines' Christy Sanosa and Sherwin Nuguit in the Round of 16.
In wushu, Nyeman Wangsu finished 15th in the women's Changquan final. India faced a setback against Japan in the men's team regu Group B match in sepaktakraw.