PM Narendra Modi interacted with Commonwealth Games champions, praising their achievements and stressing that a strong sports culture is vital for sustained success.
New Delhi, August 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday interacted with members of India’s Commonwealth Games contingent and said sustained success in international sport depends not only on infrastructure but also on building a strong sports culture across the country.
During the interaction, Modi congratulated the athletes for their performances and said their medals could inspire schoolchildren more effectively than verbal encouragement.
“Your medal inspires them more than anything we could say by going to schools,” Modi remarked.
The Prime Minister said receiving sportspersons at his residence had become a regular tradition during his years in office. He noted the transformation of Indian sport over the past decade and credited athletes for helping strengthen the country’s standing on the international sporting stage.
Delighted to host our outstanding medal winners from the Commonwealth Games 2026 at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Heard about their experiences from the Games.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 9, 2026
Each one of them has made our nation proud through their exceptional performances. Their success will motivate many youngsters. pic.twitter.com/1zkYCKiV8r
Medals as inspiration for future generations
Modi highlighted the personal journeys behind several athletes’ successes, including stories of perseverance, injuries and sacrifices.
He referred to an athlete who dedicated a Guru Purnima victory to his coach and another who became emotional on the podium after overcoming four years of injuries and personal difficulties.
The Prime Minister said such victories went beyond individual achievements and could motivate future generations.
“This victory of yours becomes a very big inspiration for the coming generations,” he said.
Modi also interacted with an athlete who had previously spoken about encouraging her daughters to take up sports. The athlete reaffirmed her commitment to the goal and expressed confidence that her daughters would win three medals at a future Commonwealth Games.
‘Sports culture’ needed beyond infrastructure
The Prime Minister said India’s growing success in international competitions was also changing how Indian athletes were perceived globally.
Referring particularly to Indian boxers, he said international competitors had begun to take Indian athletes more seriously.
“World players have now started fearing these boxers too,” Modi said.
He highlighted the contribution of grassroots programmes such as Khelo India and government support for athletes participating in successive competitions.
Modi stressed that the country’s sporting ambitions could not depend solely on the construction of stadiums and training facilities.
“Sports infrastructure is one thing, but the country achieves medals when a sports culture is built in the country,” he said.
He urged athletes to retain the humility and learning mindset of beginners while helping strengthen the wider sports ecosystem.
Army athlete's victory recalled
The Prime Minister also acknowledged an Indian Army athlete who defeated a Pakistani opponent 5-0 on Kargil Vijay Diwas and dedicated the victory to Indian Army personnel.
Modi said the athlete’s expression of national pride added significance to the sporting achievement.
“You have not merely increased the number of medals; you have prepared a generation,” he told the athletes.
He also recalled a light-hearted exchange involving an athlete’s Army coach, Narendra Rana, noting the shared first name with the Prime Minister.
SAI, Khelo India support highlighted
During the interaction, an athlete expressed gratitude to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for providing training facilities that helped athletes progress from local sporting centres to international competition.
Modi acknowledged the athletes’ efforts and thanked them for recognising the support provided through the sports ecosystem.
The Prime Minister also asked athletes about upgraded sports facilities in regional hubs, including Varanasi and Bhopal. He referred to the role of SAI and the Khelo India programme, launched in 2018, in helping young athletes progress towards elite-level competition.
He expressed confidence that Indian athletes would continue to achieve success and said he looked forward to meeting them again after future victories.
Birthday celebration and winning streak
The interaction also included a lighter moment when a multiple-time medallist celebrated her birthday during the meeting. Modi offered her sweets and extended his wishes.
He encouraged the athletes to maintain their momentum and expressed confidence in India continuing its medal-winning performances.
“He who plays, blooms,” the Prime Minister said.
