Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged India’s Asian Games medal-winners to visit schools, playgrounds and their hometowns to inspire young people to take up sports and pursue their dreams. During an interaction with the Indian contingent in New Delhi on Thursday, October 15, 2026, Modi emphasised that athletes have an important role to play in nurturing the next generation of sporting talent.
Addressing medal-winners from disciplines including cricket, hockey and kabaddi, the Prime Minister encouraged them to spend time with children who aspire to become professional athletes. He suggested that players return to the grounds where they first began their sporting journeys and share their experiences with young enthusiasts.
Modi said that even a small piece of advice from a successful athlete could encourage a child to take sports seriously. By sharing their journeys, challenges and achievements, the medal-winners could help young people understand the dedication and discipline required to succeed at the international level.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The Prime Minister’s appeal comes as India seeks to strengthen its sporting ecosystem and identify talent from across the country. He highlighted the importance of discovering young athletes in villages, small towns and cities, where aspiring sportspersons may lack access to elite coaching, facilities or direct interaction with established players.
Modi also praised India’s female athletes for their contribution to the country’s recent Asian Games campaign. Women secured 38 of India’s 85 medals, including 11 gold medals, underlining their growing presence in Indian sports.
India finished the Games with 85 medals, including 21 golds. Although the tally was below the 106 medals achieved at the previous edition in Hangzhou, the performance of debutants offered encouragement, with first-time participants accounting for 41 medals.
India’s Ambition to Become a Sporting Powerhouse
The Prime Minister’s message is also linked to India’s broader ambition to become a leading sporting nation and host major international competitions. He reiterated the country’s aspiration to host the 2036 Olympic Games and highlighted the importance of building a stronger foundation for future success.
Government initiatives such as Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) are intended to support grassroots participation, identify promising athletes and help elite competitors prepare for international events. Modi has also highlighted investments in sports infrastructure, coaching and financial assistance for athletes.
Beyond medals, the Prime Minister noted that sports can develop discipline, perseverance, resilience and the ability to recover from setbacks. These qualities, he said, can benefit young people throughout their lives, both on and off the field.
By encouraging Asian Games stars to engage directly with children, Modi hopes their achievements will inspire more youngsters to participate in sports and pursue competitive careers. The initiative also reflects India’s wider effort to develop talent across different regions and disciplines as the country prepares for future international sporting challenges.
