Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated India’s medallists at the ongoing Asian Games, lauding the gold-winning men’s and women’s kabaddi teams and praising athletes who secured medals in squash, shooting, table tennis, track and field.
The Prime Minister congratulated India’s women’s kabaddi team after it defeated Iran 37-34 in a closely contested final to retain the Asian Games gold medal. India held its nerve in a tense finish to secure its second consecutive women’s kabaddi title.
“What a thrilling final and a magnificent Gold for the Women’s Kabaddi Team! Congratulations to our players. The team has displayed remarkable courage, composure and teamwork. India is proud of our Kabaddi champions. Best wishes for many more successes ahead,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
He also congratulated the Indian men’s kabaddi team for retaining the Asian Games gold medal with a 40-34 victory over Iran in the final. India, which led 17-18 at half-time, produced a strong second-half performance to pull away from Iran and successfully defend the title it won at the 2022 Hangzhou Games. The victory marked India’s ninth men’s kabaddi gold at the Asian Games.
“Champions once again! Congratulations to our Men’s Kabaddi Team on retaining the Asian Games Gold. Their determination has brought immense pride to the nation. Their success will also motivate several upcoming players. Best wishes to the entire team for their future endeavours,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister also congratulated Prachi Choudhary on winning the bronze medal in the women’s 400m. Praising her performance, he said her excellent run had earned India a memorable place on the podium and wished her success in her future endeavours.
“Congratulations to Prachi Choudhary on winning the Bronze medal in the Women’s 400m at the Asian Games. Her excellent run has earned India a memorable place on the podium. Wishing her the very best for the endeavours ahead,” he said.
PM Modi congratulated squash players Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar after the Indian pair secured a bronze medal in the mixed doubles event. The duo lost a closely fought semifinal to Hong Kong, China’s Lee Ka Yi and Tang Ming Hong, 10-11, 11-2, 10-11, with the semifinal result assuring them of a bronze medal.
“Congratulations to Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar on winning the Bronze medal in the Squash Mixed Team event at the Asian Games. Their skill and determination are exceptional,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi also lauded shooters Tilottama Sen, Vidarsa Vinod Kochalumkal and Ashi Chouksey after the trio won silver in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions team event. The Indian team finished second with a score of 1,763, behind China’s 1,773, while Kazakhstan secured bronze with 1,754.
“A fine display of precision by Tilottama Sen, Vidarsa Vinod Kochalumkal and Ashi Chouksey! Congratulations to them on winning the Silver medal in the Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions Team event at the Asian Games. May they continue to achieve many more successes in the times to come,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister further congratulated Manush Shah and Diya Chitale after the Indian duo secured bronze in mixed doubles table tennis. The pair reached the semifinals before losing 0-4 to China’s Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, with their semifinal appearance assuring them of a bronze medal.
“Congratulations to Manush Shah and Diya Chitale on winning the Bronze medal in the Mixed Doubles Table Tennis event at the Asian Games,” PM Modi said, adding that the medal was another proud moment for the growing popularity of table tennis in India.
PM Modi also congratulated shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor after he won silver in the men’s event with a best throw of 20.64 metres. Iran’s Mohammadreza Tayebi won gold with a Games-record throw of 20.81 metres, while Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Tolu took bronze with 20.48 metres.
Toor, who had won gold at the 2018 Jakarta and 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, secured his third consecutive medal at the continental event.
“A splendid performance by Tajinderpal Singh Toor! Congratulations to him on winning the Silver medal in the Men’s Shot Put at the Asian Games with an impressive throw. Tajinder pal has consistently brought laurels to the nation through his focus and perseverance. Another Asian Games medal is a fitting addition to his remarkable journey. Wishing him many more successes ahead,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
(With agency inputs)
