Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated India’s men’s cricket team on retaining its title at the Asian Games 2026 and also saluted two women athletes who created history in golf and archery.
In a series of posts on social media, Modi described the cricket triumph as a joyous occasion for the nation and wished the team members well in their future endeavours. The title defence extends India’s winning run in the event, following the men’s gold at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou.
The Prime Minister also congratulated Pranavi Sharath Urs on winning India’s first-ever gold in the Women’s Individual Golf event at the Asian Games. Her superb finish, he said, has given the nation a sporting moment to remember. Modi expressed the hope that the victory would draw more young Indians to the game and inspire them to aim for the very top. Golf has traditionally had a limited following in India compared with cricket, and a first Asian Games gold in the women’s individual event is likely to bring fresh attention to the sport and its pathways for young players.
Modi further congratulated Kumkum Anil Mohod on becoming the first Indian woman to win Recurve Individual Gold at the 2026 Asian Games. He singled out her composure in the decisive shoot-off, a high-pressure format in which a single arrow can decide the medal, as particularly outstanding. The Prime Minister wished her well for the future and urged her to keep aiming higher.
Together, the three results span a team sport with a vast fan base and two individual disciplines where Indian women are now breaking new ground. That mix is significant for the country’s sporting landscape, since it shows that success is widening beyond the traditional strongholds. For aspiring athletes across the country, including in Jammu and Kashmir, where young sportspersons are increasingly seeking opportunities in non-traditional disciplines, such milestones offer both inspiration and proof that international podiums are within reach.
The Prime Minister’s messages follow his familiar practice of recognising sporting achievement publicly and encouraging athletes to set bigger goals. With the Games still producing results for the Indian contingent, attention will turn to how the country builds on these breakthroughs and whether federations and the government sustain the support that such performances require.
