Watch: PM Narendra Modi pledges all possible support to Indian athletes after successful Asian Games 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a helping hand to Indian athletes, assuring them of comprehensive support in their pursuit of greater achievements. He expressed confidence that India would surpass its performance in Hangzhou during the next Asian Games edition.

During the continental games, Indian athletes achieved an all-time high performance, securing a remarkable 107 medals, including 28 golds, positioning India fourth in the medals table. Modi lauded the exceptional performances of women athletes, emphasizing their substantial contribution to the 660-member contingent's success.

Addressing the Asian Games contingent, the Prime Minister affirmed"The government will pull all stops to ensure the athletes get the best. You have crossed 100 medals. Next time, we will go way past this record. Put your best effort for the Paris (Olympics),"

The forthcoming Asian Games edition is scheduled to be held in Japan in 2026.

Modi highlighted the transformation in Indian athletics since 2014, emphasizing the improvement in training, facilities, and international exposure for athletes. He regarded the Asian Games medal haul as a promising indicator for the nation's sporting future, stating that medalists had opened up "new avenues" to motivate a fresh generation of athletes.

The Prime Minister commended the remarkable performance of women athletes, highlighting their strength and dominance. He emphasized their unwavering pursuit of gold medals in track and field events.

Acknowledging the impact of the government's flagship initiative, Khelo India, Modi emphasized its success in nurturing talent and yielding substantial medal wins. He revealed that 125 athletes from Khelo India secured 40 medals in the Asian Games, showcasing the initiative's positive trajectory.

"More than 3,000 athletes are getting training, coaching, medical and dietary assistance under Khelo India. A total of Rs 25,000 crore assistance is being given to athletes. Money will not come in the way of the athletes. Next five years, the government will spend an additional Rs 3000 crore on athletes and more infrastructure will be created," added Modi.

Modi urged the medalists to educate children in schools about the dangers of drugs and doping, envisioning them as influential advocates in this crucial battle against substance abuse. He hailed all the athletes as the "G.O.A.T" (Greatest of All Time) for the nation, symbolizing their esteemed status in India's sports realm.

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