Modi hails teenage Asian Games medallists as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi beams at ceremony

Modi praises India’s teenage medal-winners

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised India’s young athletes at a felicitation ceremony for the country’s Asian Games 2026 contingent at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday. Among those honoured was teenage cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, part of the Indian men’s team that won gold at the Games in Tokyo.

Modi did not name Sooryavanshi directly while speaking about athletes aged 15 to 17, but cameras turned to the young cricketer, who responded with a broad smile.

“At such a young age, these players have enhanced the pride of the country with their spectacular performances,” Modi said. “This shows that for success, age is not a restriction.”

Focus on finding talent early

The prime minister said identifying and training sporting talent at a young age was a priority, pointing to children between five and 15 as a focus group. He said Khelo India and Emerging Khelo India would provide opportunities for thousands of new players to progress in the coming years.

Modi recognises women’s medal contribution

Modi also singled out India’s women athletes, who won 38 of the country’s 85 medals at the Asian Games, including 11 golds. He described their achievement as “a picture of a new India.”