88 Medals for India: PM Modi Applauds Asian Para Games Stars
New Delhi, October 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday applauded the Indian athletes who have won medals at the Asian Para Games 2026. Their efforts have helped India accumulate 88 medals in total, including 21 gold, 26 silver and 41 bronze, placing the country fifth on the medal table.
The Prime Minister began by congratulating Anjanaben, who won gold in the women's 400m T47 event with a superb timing. Modi said her speed, focus and determination had brought great pride to the nation and expressed hope that she would continue to perform at this level and achieve even bigger successes.
He then turned to Dilip, the men's 400m T47 gold medallist. Modi said that defending his title while improving his own performance was a notable accomplishment, and that his speed, resolve and dedication were truly praiseworthy. He added that India was proud of him.
Modi also lauded long jumper Solaraj Dharmaraj, who won gold in the men's T44/T62/T64 long jump with a brilliant leap. By breaking his own Asian record, Solaraj displayed his outstanding skill and determination, the Prime Minister said, wishing him even greater heights in the future.
Para archer Swati Chaudhary was another highlight. Modi described her silver medal in the women's W1 archery event as a very special achievement for Indian para archery. She became the first Indian to win an archery medal at the Asian Para Games, doing so in her first tournament. The Prime Minister said her resolve was truly commendable.
Discus thrower Suvarna Raj was congratulated on her gold in the women's discus throw F54 event. Modi said her victory was the result of hard work, dedication and her commitment to excellence in sport, and that the nation was celebrating her success.
In para badminton, the Prime Minister praised several medal winners. Pramod Bhagat and Manisha Ramdas were applauded for their bronze in the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 event, while Nithya Sri Sumathi Sivan and Krishna Nagar were congratulated on their bronze in the mixed doubles SH6 event. Modi said their dedication had given Indian para badminton another moment of pride. Suhas L. Yathiraj was also praised for winning bronze in the men's singles SL4 event, with the Prime Minister noting his consistency, passion and inspiring example.
In para table tennis, Bhavina Patel and Shubham Wadhwa were honoured for their bronze in the mixed doubles XD7 event. Modi called it a historic achievement, as it was India's first medal in the mixed doubles event at these Games. He said their teamwork and determination had raised the country's standing.
Sheetal Devi was congratulated for an exceptional day in which she won two gold medals for India. Modi praised her and Tomon Kumar for their gold in the mixed team para compound archery event, citing their skill, composure and teamwork. In another message, he commended Sheetal's successful title defence in the women's individual para compound archery event, her second consecutive gold, describing her precision and consistency as truly admirable.
Finally, the Prime Minister congratulated Tejalben Damor on her silver in the women's 400m T12 event. He said her pace, determination and consistent excellence were worthy of appreciation.