New Delhi [India], October 2 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated the Indian women’s hockey team, Sujeet Kalkal, Ankush Panghal, Parveen Hooda and Lovlina Borgohain on winning gold medals in their respective events at the Asian Games 2026.
The Indian women's hockey team produced a historic performance, defeating reigning Asian champions China 1-0 to clinch the gold medal and end a 44-year wait for an Asian Games medal in Aichi-Nagoya. Ranked No. 8 in the world, India stunned World No. 4 China in a fiercely contested final, with Lalremsiami scoring the decisive goal in the 10th minute through a field goal. The triumph marks India's first women's hockey medal at the Asian Games since 1982, when the team last stood on the podium. The gold medal also brings a significant reward for the Indian team, as the victory secures direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
In an X post by the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian women’s hockey team on winning gold at the Asian Games after more than four decades, praising their skills, teamwork and determination while saying the success would further boost hockey’s popularity across the country.
“A very special moment for Indian Hockey! The people of India are rejoicing in the success of the Women’s Hockey Team, who bring home the coveted Gold at the Asian Games and that too after over 4 decades. This is the result of outstanding skills and teamwork. Their determination is very inspiring as well. My best wishes to the team for their upcoming endeavours. May this success contribute to Hockey’s popularity across the nation: PM @narendramodi,” he said.
Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal secured a historic gold medal at the ongoing Asian Games, defeating Tajikistan's Abdulmazhid Kudiev in the men's freestyle 65kg final on Friday.
Praising Sujeet, PM Modi said, “Congratulations to Sujeet on winning the Men’s 65kg Freestyle Wrestling Gold at the Asian Games after a thrilling victory in the final. On his Asian Games debut, he has delivered India’s first Wrestling Gold of this edition. It is indeed a memorable triumph! Wishing him the very best for the times to come: PM @narendramodi.”
Ankush Panghal also sealed a gold medal, beating Kim Min-seong of South Korea in the men's 80 kg boxing final on Friday.
PM Modi congratulated Ankush on winning gold, praising his emphatic final victory, passion and dedication, and noting that his success ended India’s boxing campaign on a strong note.
“Gold for Ankush! Congrats to Ankush on winning the Men’s 80kg Boxing Gold at the Asian Games with an emphatic victory in the final. His passion and dedication are noteworthy. His success ensures that India’s boxing campaign at the Asian Games ends on a great note: PM @narendramodi,” he said.
Boxer Parveen Hooda also secured a boxing gold, defeating Chinese Taipei's Chen Nien-Chen in the final of the women's 65 kg event at the ongoing Asian Games.
Congratulating her, PM Modi praised her hard-fought final victory, dedication and contribution to Indian boxing.
“A magnificent Gold! Congratulations to Parveen on winning the Women’s 65kg Boxing Gold at the Asian Games after a hard-fought final. Hers is a remarkable achievement that adds another glorious chapter to Indian boxing. Her success is deeply motivating and highlights her dedication to sporting excellence. My best wishes for her endeavours in the times ahead: PM @narendramodi,” he said in the X post.
Boxer Lovlina Borgohain also made history on her 29th birthday, overcoming China's Bao Ziyi 5-0 in the women's 75kg final to secure India's first-ever goal in this category.
PM Modi congratulated Borgohain on winning the gold, praising her emphatic 5-0 final victory and determination throughout her sporting journey.
“A very fine performance from @LovlinaBorgohai! Congratulations to Lovlina on winning Gold in the Women’s 75 kg Boxing event at the Asian Games with an emphatic 5-0 victory in the final. Her sporting journey reflects remarkable determination and excellence. Wishing her the very best for her upcoming endeavours: PM @narendramodi,” he said.
India's sepaktakraw also got a reason to rejoice at the back end of the Asian Games 2026 campaign as the men's quadrant secured a bronze medal after a defeat to Japan in the semifinal of their event on Friday. The Indian men's quadrant of Malemnganba Singh Sorokhaibam, Ram Kumar Sharma, Bobby Kumar and Akash Yumnam secured the bronze, losing 0-2 (12-15, 13-15) to Japan in the semis.
PM Modi congratulated them on winning bronze in sepaktakraw, marking India’s first-ever medal in the men’s quadrant event, and praised their determination and fighting spirit.
“A landmark moment for Indian Sepaktakraw! Congratulations to the Indian Men’s Quadrant Team on winning the Bronze Medal at the Asian Games. This is India’s first-ever medal in the Men’s Quadrant event at the Games. Their determination and fighting spirit are exemplary. May this achievement give further momentum to Sepaktakraw across the country: PM @narendramodi,” he said.
Indian sailor Nethra Kumanan also secured a bronze medal in the women's dinghy event at the Asian Games 2026, adding another medal to India's sailing haul at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
Hailing Kumanan, PM Modi said, “Congratulations to Nethra Kumanan on winning the Bronze Medal in the Women’s Dinghy event at the Asian Games! This is indeed a great accomplishment for India. May she continue to scale new heights and inspire a new generation of athletes in our nation: PM @narendramodi.” (ANI)
PM Modi congratulates India women's hockey team, boxers on gold medal wins at Asian Games
