‘Made 140 crore Indians proud’

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday celebrated India's Asian Games medal-winners, highlighting the nation's growing sporting prowess and its ambition to host the 2036 Olympics, underscoring a significant shift in India's global sports presence.

Athletes presented PM Modi with various mementoes, including autographed jerseys and a bow gifted by 17-year-old recurve archer Kumkum Mohod, who secured two gold medals and one silver.

Praising the squad's achievements, PM Modi addressed the gathered winners and praised them for their efforts. "You have made 140 crore Indians proud. The biggest success is to make the tricolour fly high. That's why your success is not just yours, but it belongs to crores of our countrymen. I congratulate you on behalf of the entire country." PM Modi said.

Reiterating the nation's sporting ambitions of hosting the Olympics in 2036, PM Modi said, "India is emerging in establishing itself as a credible and hospitable country for international sports events. We are bidding for the 2036 Olympics, and it is our resolve that we will host the games."

India secured 85 medals overall, featuring 21 golds. While short of the 106-medal haul from the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, first-time competitors delivered 41 medals. Women athletes led the way with 38 total podium finishes, including 11 gold medals across cricket, hockey, and archery.

Expressing his admiration for the female contingent, Modi said,

The event featured the complete men's T20 squad captained by Shreyas Iyer alongside the women's team. Former women's captain Harmanpreet Kaur presented an autographed jersey to the Prime Minister alongside her successor, Smriti Mandhana.

Highlighting the long-term structural improvements across Indian sports, PM Modi emphasised the dedication required for international success. "Sankalp aur sapne ek din mein poore nahi hote (Dreams are not achieved in a day). It takes years of hard work and dedication. In the last 12 years, India has shown patience and worked hard to create a sports ecosystem."

"There was a time when India would win a few medals at big events. The country did not know so many sports. We resolved to end this pessimism, and the result is our increasing representation on the global stage. A transparent system is in place for sports now," he concluded.

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The Hans India