Raksha Mantri felicitates Services athletes for record 27-medal haul at 2026 Asian Games

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh today felicitated the sportspersons from the defence forces who bagged 27 medals – 06 Gold, 11 Silver and 10 Bronze – at the recently concluded Asian Games in Japan. Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi also graced the event organised to celebrate the Services’ best-ever performance at the prestigious international sporting event. A total of 92 athletes from the three Services competed in 19 disciplines, and made a significant contribution to India’s fourth-place finish. The overall Indian contingent won 85 medals – 21 Gold, 27 Silver and 37 Bronze.

Interacting with the sportspersons at an event in New Delhi, Raksha Mantri attributed their success to discipline, hard work, team spirit and sporting excellence. He said the journey to winning a medal involves immense dedication, early-morning training, gym sessions, injuries, recovery and consistent efforts while balancing unit duties with sports preparations and staying away from families.

Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth and other senior officials were present on the occasion..(UPDATED ON 12TH OCTOBER 2026)