’14 to 114′: PM Modi praises India’s para-athletes after historic Asian Para Games medal haul

New Delhi: on Thursday praised India’s para-athletes for delivering a historic performance at the 2026 Asian Para Games, calling their achievements a source of inspiration for the nation and encouraging them to carry the momentum forward to the

During an interaction with medal winners at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, Modi congratulated the Indian contingent on securing its best-ever medal tally at the Aichi-Nagoya Games in Japan. India finished fourth in the overall standings with an impressive 114 medals, comprising 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze, earned by 97 para-athletes.

“Your magnificent performance shows that India is emerging as a great power in the world of sports. You have not only won medals, but you have also won the hearts of millions of Indians,” PM Modi said.

“Your struggles and your achievements inspire every Indian. Earlier, parents were scared of supporting their kids in sporting careers. People would say nothing can be done about this system which did not support talent but just as you did not give up, we also stayed focused on our goals,” he added.

From 14 medals in 2010 to 114 in 2026: India’s remarkable rise

Highlighting the country’s growing presence in international para-sports, Modi recalled that India had managed just 14 medals, including one gold, at the 2010 edition of the Games. The 2026 campaign marked a significant milestone, featuring five world records, nine Asian records and podium sweeps in four events.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister described the achievement as a testament to the immense talent and potential of India’s para-athletes. He also highlighted the contribution of newcomers, with 36 of the 61 debutants returning home with medals.

Women’s participation was another major highlight of India’s campaign. Of the 56 female athletes in the contingent, 34 secured medals, underlining their growing contribution to the country’s sporting success.

“Our athletes have shown that no dream is too big and no challenge too great when there is determination,” Modi wrote, adding that India now stands firmly behind youngsters aspiring to pursue sports: “Now, if you have the talent, India will support you and cheer for you. Come, play and shine!”

1️⃣4️⃣ to 1️⃣1️⃣4️⃣

On one hand this is a number…a statistic of India’s rise in the Asian Para Games.

But, importantly, this meteoric rise suggests something else…the immense potential and talent of our athletes.

This year we had:

30 Gold Medals + 5 World Records + 9 Asian Records + 4 events where Indians swept the entire podium!

Two of my favourite data points:

Of the 61 athletes making their Asian Para Games debut, 36 came back home with medals.

There are 34 medal winners among 56 women athletes!

Our athletes have shown that no dream is too big and no challenge too great when there is determination.

Those days are long over when society frowned upon youngsters who wanted to pursue sports.

Now, if you have the talent, India will support you and cheer for you.

Come, play and shine!

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 5, 2026

India strengthens its presence across sporting disciplines

Modi also acknowledged India’s improving competitiveness across a wide range of events, including archery, athletics, shooting, swimming, table tennis, badminton, judo and powerlifting. He further noted that 61 athletes made their Asian Para Games debut in this edition, reflecting the expanding pool of talent in Indian para-sports.

With its record-breaking performance in Japan, India has set a new benchmark for future contingents. Modi urged the athletes to use this success as motivation for the next major challenge — delivering an even stronger performance at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

PM Modi also highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem, including a sports goods manufacturing scheme worth over Rs 1,800 crore. He encouraged the athletes to build on their historic achievements and shift their focus towards the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

“You should use this success as a launch pad for bigger goals. The next goal of India and most of you is Los Angeles 2028. Our goal is to have as many Indian players in LA 2028 as possible and win as many medals as possible. Celebrate this moment and start preparing for the future,” he said.