Felicitation Ceremony in New Delhi
Indian cricket legend and National Cricket Academy head VVS Laxman shared a heartfelt message on social media following the grand felicitation ceremony hosted for the Indian contingent of the Asian Games 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the successful athletes and officials at the Ashoka Hotel in New Delhi, acknowledging their remarkable achievements at the continental multi-sport event held in Aichi-Nagoya. Laxman, who served as the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team that secured a historic gold medal by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan in the thrilling summit clash, expressed his admiration for the leadership’s unwavering commitment to the holistic development of athletics across the country. During the special gathering, athletes presented the Prime Minister with memorabilia, including signed jerseys, a specially autographed hockey stick, and a traditional shawl to mark the momentous occasion.
- High-Level Attendance: Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, and Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha graced the event.
- Cricket Triumph: The men’s cricket squad led by Shreyas Iyer claimed the gold medal under the watchful guidance of VVS Laxman.
- Hockey Contributions: Captain Salima Tete presented PM Modi with a signed hockey stick on behalf of the women’s national team.
- Overall Performance: India finished fourth in the overall medal tally with 85 total medals, securing 21 gold, 27 silver, and 37 bronze medals.
Milestone Campaign at Aichi-Nagoya
The stellar campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games marked India’s second consecutive top-five finish at the continental multi-sport extravaganza, cementing the country’s rising stature in global sports. The contingent featured athletes, coaches, support staff, and key officials from various National Sports Federations. The recognition from the highest levels of government serves as a monumental morale boost for competitors preparing for upcoming international cycles and future Olympic events.
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