New Delhi, October 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised Indian women athletes for their outstanding performances at the recent Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, describing the 38 medals won by them as more than a tally — a reflection of a “new India”.
Modi met India’s Asian Games participants at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in the national capital and congratulated them on the country’s performance at the continental sporting event. India secured 85 medals, including 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze, to finish fourth in the overall medal standings.
In his address, the Prime Minister reserved special praise for the country’s women athletes, highlighting their contribution to India’s medal haul.
“Friends, I would like to especially praise our daughters. Out of the 85 medals won by India, 38 medals were won by our women athletes. And 11 gold medals are included in them. And these medals are not just a number. This is a picture of a new India,” Modi said.
He also lauded the Indian women’s hockey team for winning gold at the Asian Games, ending a 44-year wait for the top podium finish. For the first time in the history of the continental competition, both India’s men’s and women’s hockey teams won gold medals in the same edition.
“Both teams have won gold medals this time. And especially our women’s hockey team. You have brought gold and completed the long wait of 44 years,” Modi said, drawing cheers from the athletes, who responded with chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai”.
Several Indian women athletes achieved significant milestones at the Games, including Kumkum Mohod, Neeru Dhanda, Pranavi Urs and Mirabai Chanu.
Seventeen-year-old Kumkum created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win gold in the individual recurve archery event at the Asian Games. She also won team gold, with India defeating South Korea in both finals.
Neeru Dhanda became India’s first individual women’s trap gold medallist at the Asian Games. She also won gold in the mixed trap event alongside Kynan Chenai and secured silver in the women’s team event with Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer.
In golf, Pranavi Urs became the first Indian woman to win an Asian Games gold medal in the sport. She also helped India secure silver in the team event.
Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won silver in the women’s 49kg category in Aichi-Nagoya, completing her medal collection across the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and World Championships. Her performance also ended India’s 28-year wait for a weightlifting medal at the Asian Games.
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