
New Delhi, India, August 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with India’s Commonwealth Games 2026 medal winners at his residence and praised the athletes for their dedication, hard work and contribution towards bringing glory to the country. During the interaction, PM Modi appreciated the consistent efforts of Indian athletes and highlighted their important role in inspiring the younger generation to take up sports.
The meeting with the Commonwealth Games 2026 medal winners featured conversations with several athletes who represented India at the Glasgow Games. PM Modi also shared personal and light-hearted moments with the medal winners while congratulating them for their achievements.
PM Modi Praises Commonwealth Games 2026 Medal Winners
During the interaction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that athletes have been among the most frequent visitors to his residence over the past several years. He credited their hard work and determination for helping India achieve success at major international sporting events.
PM Modi said that he had been living at the residence for around 12 to 13 years and that athletes were among those he had regularly welcomed. He praised their efforts over the last decade and highlighted their constant pursuit of higher levels of success.
The Prime Minister said that the achievements of the Commonwealth Games 2026 medal winners represent years of dedication and sacrifice.
Athletes’ Medals Inspire Young Generation
PM Modi also highlighted the powerful impact that sporting achievements can have on young people.
He said that while encouraging students to participate in sports through visits to schools can be effective, the achievements of athletes can inspire youngsters much more strongly.
According to the Prime Minister, medals won by Indian athletes provide a powerful example for children and young people who are considering taking up sports.
The success of the Commonwealth Games 2026 medal winners can therefore play an important role in encouraging a new generation of athletes across the country.
PM Modi Interacts With Sharmila Dhankar
During the interaction, PM Modi spoke with women’s shot put F57 gold medallist Sharmila Dhankar and recalled a promise she had made during an earlier meeting.
The Prime Minister reminded Sharmila that she had previously said that her two daughters would also become athletes.
Sharmila responded that her daughters were still young but expressed confidence that they would follow in her footsteps. She said that at the next Commonwealth Games, she hoped that three medals could come from one family.
The exchange between PM Modi and Sharmila Dhankar reflected the importance of sporting achievements extending beyond individual success and inspiring family members and future generations.
PM Modi Shares Light Moment With Seema Kaliramna
PM Modi also interacted with women’s discus throw bronze medallist Seema Kaliramna during the meeting.
Seema told the Prime Minister that she was nervous while meeting him and jokingly said that her heart was racing.
Responding in a light-hearted manner, PM Modi told her not to worry and said that she would receive a medal for her speech as well.
The interaction helped create a relaxed atmosphere during the meeting and allowed the athletes to share their personal experiences with the Prime Minister.
Seema later spoke about the excitement of meeting PM Modi. She recalled how her friends would ask her in Haryanvi whether she had ever met the Prime Minister.
After meeting him, Seema said she could now proudly tell her friends that she had met Modi.
PM Modi Emphasises Importance of Sports Culture
During his interaction with the athletes, PM Modi stressed that developing sports infrastructure alone is not enough for India to become a leading sporting nation.
He said that a strong sports culture is essential for a country to consistently win medals at international competitions.
The Prime Minister congratulated the athletes for their achievements and said that their performances had brought glory to the nation.
The message comes as India continues to focus on strengthening sports participation, infrastructure and training opportunities for athletes across different disciplines.
India’s Impressive Commonwealth Games Medal Tally
India concluded its Commonwealth Games 2026 campaign in Glasgow with an impressive total of 39 medals.
The Indian contingent secured:
- 13 Gold Medals
- 17 Silver Medals
- 9 Bronze Medals
With 39 medals overall, India finished fourth in the overall medal standings.
The performance marked another important achievement for Indian sport, with athletes competing across multiple disciplines and contributing to the country’s medal tally.
The success of the Commonwealth Games 2026 medal winners has also highlighted the growing depth of Indian sporting talent.
Glasgow Games Conclude With Handover to India
The Glasgow Games concluded after 11 days of competition. At the closing of the event, Scotland formally handed over the Commonwealth Games flag and ceremonial baton to India.
India is set to host the landmark centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030.
The handover marks an important moment for Indian sports as the country prepares to host the major multi-sport event.
Hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games is expected to provide India with an opportunity to showcase its sporting infrastructure and organisational capabilities on the global stage.
PM Modi Expresses Confidence in Athletes’ Future
PM Modi expressed confidence that the athletes would continue to achieve success in future competitions. He told the medal winners that he believed they would remain victorious and hoped to meet them again after more successful performances.
The interaction with the Commonwealth Games 2026 medal winners served as recognition of their achievements and highlighted the importance of their contribution to India’s sporting ambitions.
The athletes’ performances in Glasgow have not only added to India’s medal tally but have also provided motivation to young people across the country.
As India prepares to host the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030, the achievements of the current generation of athletes could serve as inspiration for future champions.
India’s Sporting Future Looks Promising
The meeting between PM Modi and India’s Commonwealth Games 2026 medal winners highlighted the country’s growing sporting ambitions.
From gold medallists to bronze medallists, Indian athletes demonstrated determination and resilience throughout the Glasgow Games. Their success has strengthened India’s position in international sport and provided encouragement to aspiring athletes.
With a focus on developing a strong sports culture, improving infrastructure and supporting talented athletes, India is aiming to build a stronger foundation for future international competitions.
The achievements in Glasgow and the upcoming opportunity to host the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030 could mark important milestones in India’s sporting journey.



