PM Modi congratulates Indian women’s hockey team, boxers on Asian Games golds

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian women’s hockey team and boxers Sujeet Kalkal, Ankush Panghal, Parveen Hooda and Lovlina Borgohain on winning gold medals at the Asian Games 2026.

The Indian women’s hockey team secured a historic 1-0 victory over reigning Asian champions China to claim the gold medal, ending a 44-year wait for an Asian Games medal in Aichi-Nagoya. Ranked eighth globally, India defeated world number four China in a closely contested final with Lalremsiami scoring the decisive goal in the 10th minute by field goal. This marked India’s first women’s hockey medal at the Asian Games since 1982 and secured direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

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In a post on X from the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Modi praised the team’s skills, teamwork and determination, stating, “A very special moment for Indian Hockey! The people of India are rejoicing in the success of the Women’s Hockey Team, who bring home the coveted Gold at the Asian Games and that too after over 4 decades. This is the result of outstanding skills and teamwork. Their determination is very inspiring as well. My best wishes to the team for their upcoming endeavours. May this success contribute to Hockey’s popularity across the nation.”

Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal won the men’s freestyle 65kg gold medal, defeating Tajikistan’s Abdulmazhid Kudiev in the final. PM Modi congratulated Sujeet, saying, “Congratulations to Sujeet on winning the Men’s 65kg Freestyle Wrestling Gold at the Asian Games after a thrilling victory in the final. On his Asian Games debut, he has delivered India’s first Wrestling Gold of this edition. It is indeed a memorable triumph! Wishing him the very best for the times to come.”

Boxer Ankush Panghal claimed gold in the men’s 80kg event by defeating South Korea’s Kim Min-seong in the final. PM Modi noted, “Gold for Ankush! Congrats to Ankush on winning the Men’s 80kg Boxing Gold at the Asian Games with an emphatic victory in the final. His passion and dedication are noteworthy. His success ensures that India’s boxing campaign at the Asian Games ends on a great note.”

In the women’s 65kg boxing final, Parveen Hooda secured gold by defeating Chinese Taipei’s Chen Nien-Chen. PM Modi praised her achievement, saying, “A magnificent Gold! Congratulations to Parveen on winning the Women’s 65kg Boxing Gold at the Asian Games after a hard-fought final. Hers is a remarkable achievement that adds another glorious chapter to Indian boxing. Her success is deeply motivating and highlights her dedication to sporting excellence. My best wishes for her endeavours in the times ahead.”

On her 29th birthday, Lovlina Borgohain made history by winning gold in the women’s 75kg boxing event with a 5-0 victory over China’s Bao Ziyi, India’s first-ever gold in this category. PM Modi extended his congratulations, stating, “A very fine performance from @LovlinaBorgohai! Congratulations to Lovlina on winning Gold in the Women’s 75 kg Boxing event at the Asian Games with an emphatic 5-0 victory in the final. Her sporting journey reflects remarkable determination and excellence. Wishing her the very best for her upcoming endeavours.”

The Indian men’s sepaktakraw quadrant team, comprising Malemnganba Singh Sorokhaibam, Ram Kumar Sharma, Bobby Kumar and Akash Yumnam, secured the bronze medal after a 0-2 defeat to Japan in the semifinals, marking India’s first-ever medal in the men’s quadrant event. PM Modi said, “A landmark moment for Indian Sepaktakraw! Congratulations to the Indian Men’s Quadrant Team on winning the Bronze Medal at the Asian Games. This is India’s first-ever medal in the Men’s Quadrant event at the Games. Their determination and fighting spirit are exemplary. May this achievement give further momentum to Sepaktakraw across the country.”

Indian sailor Nethra Kumanan also won a bronze medal in the women’s dinghy event, adding to India’s sailing achievements at the Games. PM Modi congratulated her, stating, “Congratulations to Nethra Kumanan on winning the Bronze Medal in the Women’s Dinghy event at the Asian Games! This is indeed a great accomplishment for India. May she continue to scale new heights and inspire a new generation of athletes in our nation.”