New Delhi:12/10/26: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday felicitated Services sportspersons for winning a record 27 medals, six gold, 11 silver and 10 bronze, at the recently concluded 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
The Services’ best-ever performance at the Games contributed significantly to India’s fourth-place finish. A total of 92 athletes from the Army, Navy and Air Force competed in 19 disciplines. India’s overall contingent won 85 medals, comprising 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze.
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi also attended the felicitation ceremony in New Delhi.
Interacting with the athletes, Singh attributed their success to discipline, hard work, team spirit and sporting excellence. He acknowledged the demanding preparation behind each medal, including early-morning training, gym sessions, injuries and recovery, alongside unit duties and time away from families.
Addressing those who competed but did not win medals, he said true defeat lay in giving up. He added that every participant had brought honour to the country and the Defence Forces in some way, expressing confidence that their achievements would inspire future generations.
Services athletes accounted for 32% of India’s total medal tally and 28.57% of its gold medals.
Among the standout performers was Naib Subedar Neeru Dhanda, who won two gold medals and one silver, becoming the first Indian woman to win the individual women’s trap gold at the Asian Games.
Naib Subedar Gulveer Singh secured two silver medals and one bronze, becoming the first Indian male track-and-field athlete to win three individual medals at a single edition of the Games.
Havildar Sawan Barwal won silver in the men’s marathon with a national record time of 2:11:37, ending India’s 44-year wait for an Asian Games marathon medal. Naib Subedar Sarvesh Kushare secured a men’s high jump medal, ending a 56-year gap for India in the event.
Singh highlighted the role of the Mission Olympic Wing in identifying talent, providing scientific training and world-class facilities, and preparing athletes for international competition.
He also recognised the contributions of coaches, support staff, physiotherapists, nutritionists and athletes’ families, emphasising that a champion was never made in isolation.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure, modern training facilities and opportunities for athletes. The objective was to establish India as a leading global sporting power, he said.
Highlighting the Services’ longstanding contribution to Indian sport, Singh said their athletes combined physical prowess with discipline, patience, leadership and determination in challenging circumstances.
He called for a focused and systematic approach to preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, urging athletes to set higher goals and trainers and support staff to continue guiding them with dedication and professionalism.
Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth and other senior officials attended the event.