PM Modi congratulates Indian contingent after fourth-place Asian Games finish(Reuters Photo)

PM Modi congratulates Indian contingent after Asian Games campaign

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian contingent on Sunday for its spirited performance at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, praising the athletes for their determination and passion after India finished fourth in the medal standings with 85 medals.

by · India Today

In Short

  • PM Modi praised every athlete for determination, passion and strong sporting spirit
  • India finished fourth in the overall standings of Asian Games with 85 medals
  • The Indian contingent's campaign received a major boost towards the end of the Games

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated India's athletes for their efforts at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, applauding the contingent for competing with determination and passion and bringing pride to the country.

With the continental sporting spectacle drawing to a close in Nagoya, Modi acknowledged the contribution of every member of the Indian team, while specifically celebrating those who returned home with medals.

"As the Asian Games 2026 draw to a close, my compliments to every member of the Indian contingent for representing our nation with determination, passion and remarkable sporting spirit," Modi said in a post on X.

The Prime Minister also praised India's medal winners, saying their performances had given the country "immense joy".

"May these Games inspire even greater achievements in the years ahead. May they contribute to strengthening sports at the grassroots too," he added.

India ended its campaign in fourth position in the overall standings, collecting 85 medals. The tally comprised 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze medals.

The Games also saw India produce several memorable performances across disciplines, with athletes and teams making their mark in events ranging from shooting and athletics to wrestling, boxing, badminton and team sports.

The Indian contingent's campaign received a major boost towards the end of the Games, with 11 gold medals coming in the final two days. India ultimately held on to its place among the top four sporting nations in Asia.

China dominated the medal standings, followed by Japan and South Korea, while India finished fourth.

The Aichi-Nagoya Games brought together athletes from across the continent for more than two weeks of competition. The event concluded with the closing ceremony at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya on Sunday.

Modi's message comes as India looks ahead to the next phase of its sporting programme, with the experience of the Asian Games set to feed into preparations for major international competitions and the country's longer-term Olympic ambitions.

For the Indian contingent, the Games ended with a mix of landmark performances, breakthrough moments and lessons to carry forward as the country's athletes continue their push for greater success on the global stage.

- Ends