NEW DELHI, JUN 1 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded the Indian U20 athletics contingent for their remarkable 19-medal haul at the 22nd Asian U20 Athletics Championships 2026 held in Hong Kong. The team secured 10 gold, five silver, and four bronze medals, finishing second overall.
In a message shared on X, Modi described the achievement as “a reflection of the determination and excellence of India’s young athletes,” adding that their success would inspire many more youngsters to pursue sports.
India’s campaign concluded on a high note with three gold medals on the final day. Muskan clinched the women’s 5000m title in 16:53.08, Mogali Venkatram Reddy won the men’s 800m in 1:48.27, and Neeru Pathak anchored the women’s 4x400m relay team to gold. The relay squad of Pathak, Bhumika Sanjay Nehate, Tahura Khatun, and Sehnoor Bawa clocked 3:38.07, breaking the meet record previously held by Japan.
The men’s 4x400m relay team also bettered the meet record with 3:05.54 but finished third. Meanwhile, the women’s 4x100m relay team secured silver with a time of 45.05 seconds.
Despite the strong showing, India’s best-ever performance remains the 2024 edition in Dubai, where the contingent won 29 medals, including seven gold, 11 silver, and 11 bronze.
‘Signature of India’s Sporting Prowess’: Shah
Home Minister Amit Shah praised the contingent’s achievement, calling the 19-medal haul “the signature of India’s unstoppable sporting prowess.” He emphasized that the feat would inspire athletes across the nation.
Shah’s message highlighted the balance of determination and talent displayed by the young athletes, underscoring India’s growing presence in athletics at the continental level.
Nadda and Rajnath congratulate athletes
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda also extended congratulations, describing the performance as “a reflection of the determination and passion of our young athletes.” He noted that their achievements brought immense pride to the nation and showcased the bright future of Indian athletics.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh echoed similar sentiments, calling the performance “one of India’s finest-ever” at the championship. He credited the growing success of Indian sports to improved infrastructure, greater support for athletes, and a strong national focus on excellence under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
Sporting community joins in praise
Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan added his voice to the chorus of praise, remarking, “Every medal starts with a dream and years of hard work.” He congratulated the U20 athletes for their second-place finish and 19-medal tally.
The collective appreciation from political leaders and sporting figures underscores the significance of India’s achievement at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships. While not surpassing the record set in Dubai two years earlier, the 2026 campaign demonstrated the resilience, discipline, and rising standards of India’s young athletes.
