Former Manipur CM congratulates Nilakanta Sharma on Asian Games gold

Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh met with India’s Asian Games 2026 gold medal-winning hockey midfielder Nilakanta Sharma at his residence to congratulate him on the men’s hockey team’s victory at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

The Indian men’s hockey team secured back-to-back gold medals at the continental event by defeating Malaysia 5-1 in the final. This victory marked India’s 85th and final medal at the recently concluded Asian Games, comprising 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze medals. Additionally, the team’s success qualified India for the LA Olympics 2028.

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Posting on X, Mr Biren Singh wrote: “Our proud son of Manipur, Olympian Shanglakpam Nilakanta Sharma, visited me at my residence. I congratulated him on his outstanding contribution to India’s historic Gold Medal triumph in men’s hockey at the 2026 Asian Games. His dedication, discipline & quiet determination embody the sporting spirit of Manipur. I wished him continued success & greater glory in the years ahead.”

India’s men’s hockey team made history by defending their Asian Games gold medal for the first time, achieving consecutive titles in 2022 and 2026. This was India’s fifth men’s hockey gold at the Asian Games, following previous victories in 1966, 1998, 2014 and 2022.

It was also the first occasion on which both the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams won gold at the same edition of the Asian Games. This achievement made hockey only the third Indian team sport, after kabaddi and cricket, to secure a double-gold podium finish at the continental event.