New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to share a momentous occasion with India's extraordinary athletes who showcased their prowess at the recently concluded Asian Games 2023. On Tuesday, at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, PM Modi will personally engage with the history-making Indian contingent.
This interaction serves as an opportunity for the Prime Minister to extend his heartfelt congratulations to all the athletes for their astounding performance at the Asian Games 2023, as well as to inspire and invigorate them for their future endeavors. The nation is beaming with pride as India achieved a record-breaking feat, securing a staggering total of 107 medals, including an impressive 28 gold medals—a historic high for the country in the context of medal count at the continental sporting event.
The event will witness the presence of not only the accomplished athletes but also their dedicated coaches, officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), representatives from various National Sports Federations, and officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his admiration for the athletes through his official social media account on Sunday, celebrating their remarkable achievements. He posted, "What a historic achievement for India at the Asian Games! The entire nation is overjoyed that our incredible athletes have brought home the highest-ever total of 107 medals, the best performance in the last 60 years."
Modi went on to commend the unwavering determination, relentless spirit, and tireless hard work of India's athletes, emphasizing that their victories have instilled a deep sense of national pride, provided unforgettable moments, inspired the entire nation, and reaffirmed India's commitment to sporting excellence.
India's exceptional performance at the Asian Games 2023 will be etched in the memory of the athletes until they compete in the next edition, slated for Aichi Nagoya, Japan, in 2026.
While China claimed the top position with a staggering 383 medals (including 201 gold, 111 silver, and 71 bronze), Japan secured the second spot with 188 medals (comprising 52 gold, 67 silver, and 69 bronze), and South Korea took the third position with 190 medals (consisting of 42 gold, 59 silver, and 89 bronze). India proudly stood fourth in the rankings, showcasing their might with 107 medals (comprising 28 gold, 38 silver, and 41 bronze), while Uzbekistan held the fifth position with 71 medals (including 22 gold, 18 silver, and 31 bronze).
The historic performance of India's sporting contingent was a testament to their dedication and resilience. Star batter Tilak Verma expressed, "It has been a proud moment when we are doing well, we feel very proud and we will get more medals in the next games."
The Asian Games 2023 witnessed a slew of records shattered across various sporting disciplines. Notable highlights included the women's 10m Air rifle team securing their first-ever medal, the men's Air rifle team clinching their maiden gold, India triumphing in the squash final, two medals earned in the javelin throw, a gold medal triumph in equestrian events, Parul Chaudhary achieving gold in the women's 5000m race, and Indian golfer Aditi Ashok's historic silver medal win.
Indian athletes and shooters stood out as the top performers at the Asian Games 2023, amassing an impressive tally of 29 medals in athletics and 22 in shooting.
The Indian contingent's campaign at the Asian Games 2023 culminated on a triumphant note, exceeding the expectations encapsulated in the slogan "Iss baar 100 paar." On the final day of competition, India clinched an astounding 12 medals across sports such as kabaddi, badminton, hockey, and archery, solidifying their place among the elite in Asian sports.