Following its extraordinary performance at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lavished admiration on the Indian Asian Games delegation at the Major Dhyanchand Stadium in New Delhi. PM Modi addressed the Indian contingent, which included athletes, coaches, and physiotherapists, among others, and praised their excellent work, which resulted in India having a spectacular tour in China.
Interacting with the India's Asian Games contingent at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in the national capital, the Prime Minister said: "I welcome all of you (athletes) on behalf of 140 crore Indians. Because of your hard work and achievements, there is an atmosphere of celebration across the country. We never had a dearth of talent in our country but due to several obstacles, our athletes weren't able to convert their talent into medals."
PM Modi further stated: "You have created history."
PM Modi appealed to all Asian Games winners to spread the message of drug-free India.
In a stellar performance, Indian athletes bagged 107 medals in total at the Asian Games in China's Hangzhou over the last fortnight, surpassing their own record of 70 at the 2018 Jakarta edition.
The programme is an endeavour by the prime minister to congratulate the athletes for their outstanding achievement at the Asian Games and to motivate them for future competitions, said the Prime Minister's Office in a statement.
India's medal tally of 107 includes 28 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronze.
The event was attended by the athletes of the Indian contingent for the Asian Games and their coaches besides officials from the Indian Olympic Association, representatives of National Sports Federations, along with officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, as per the statement.
Earlier, Modi hailed the "historic achievement" by the Indian athletes and said the unwavering determination and hard work of the players have made the nation proud.
In a post on X, Modi said, "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 ever performance in the last 60 years." The unwavering determination, relentless spirit and hard work of our players have made the nation proud, he said.
"Their victories have given us moments to remember, inspired us all and have reaffirmed our commitment to excellence," he added.