Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the Indian contingent that participated in the Asian Games 2026 on October 15, 2026, celebrating their achievements and outlining the government's sports development policies. India won 85 total medals at the games, including 11 gold medals, with female athletes securing 38 of these medals. Historic achievements included the women's hockey team ending a 44-year wait for gold, consecutive medals for both cricket teams, dual golds in Kabaddi, five golds in archery, and first-ever medals in mixed martial arts, soft tennis, and specific sailing events. The contingent also achieved new athletics records, a weightlifting medal after 28 years, and the first marathon success since 1982.
The Prime Minister detailed the government's substantial financial commitment to sports development, noting that more than ₹36,000 crore has been allocated to expand the Khelo India initiative and strengthen sports federations. This funding supports over a thousand Khelo India Centers and the construction of thousands of new stadiums, multi-purpose halls, athletics tracks, football and hockey grounds, and swimming pools across cities of all sizes. Athletes receive direct financial support including a ₹50,000 monthly Out-of-Pocket Allowance under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), and the government provides financial assistance for international coaching stints when needed.
Looking forward, PM Modi outlined ambitious future sporting goals including targeting success at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, India's hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games, and the aspiration to host the 2036 Olympics. He announced a nationwide village-level talent hunt to identify and train children aged five to fifteen through Khelo India and Emerging Khelo India programs. The Prime Minister also highlighted the broader economic impact of sports development, noting the emergence of new professional fields in sports coaching, physiotherapy, sports management, and sports broadcasting that have created new employment and enterprise opportunities for youth.