Modi Meets India’s Asian Games Contingent After 85-Medal Finish

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met India’s Asian Games contingent in New Delhi on October 15, congratulating athletes after the country finished fourth with 85 medals at the 2026 Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. At the gathering, Modi urged medal winners to visit schools, playgrounds and their hometowns when possible to share their experiences with young people interested in sport. He said athletes could help encourage children who aspire to compete, according to remarks reported from the event. India’s reported tally comprised 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze medals. The 85-medal finish was below the 106 medals India won at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. The contingent’s fourth-place ranking matched its position at that previous edition. Modi also praised the contribution of women athletes, saying they won 38 medals, including 11 golds. That breakdown was part of his remarks at the meeting. One report also said athletes making their Asian Games debut won 41 medals for India. Modi reiterated India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics, saying the country was bidding for the Games and was determined to host them.