PM Modi congratulates India's Asian Games kabaddi, squash and shooting medallists
Synopsis
India's Asian Games Saturday was its most medal-rich in days — two kabaddi golds, a shooting silver, and bronze in squash and table tennis, all earning personal tributes from PM Modi on X. Tajinderpal Singh Toor's shot put silver was the quiet highlight: his third straight Asian Games medal despite being dethroned as champion.
Key Takeaways
Indian women's kabaddi team defeated Iran 37-34 to retain the Asian Games gold for the second consecutive edition.
Indian men's kabaddi team beat Iran 40-34 to claim India's ninth men's kabaddi gold at the Asian Games.
Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar won bronze in mixed doubles squash after a 10-11, 11-2, 10-11 semifinal loss to Hong Kong, China.
Tilottama Sen, Vidarsa Vinod Kochalumkal , and Ashi Chouksey won silver in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions team event with a score of 1,763 .
Manush Shah and Diya Chitale claimed bronze in mixed doubles table tennis after losing 0-4 to China in the semis.
Tajinderpal Singh Toor won silver in men's shot put with a throw of 20.64m , earning his third straight Asian Games medal .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 26 September extended congratulations to India's medal-winners at the ongoing Asian Games, celebrating gold-retaining kabaddi champions, a shooting silver, and bronze medallists in squash and table tennis. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) posted multiple tributes on X across the day as results poured in from the continental showpiece.
Kabaddi Double Gold: India Defends Both Titles
In the marquee kabaddi finals, India produced commanding performances to retain both the men's and women's gold medals. The Indian women's kabaddi team defeated Iran 37-34 in a closely fought final to claim their second consecutive Asian Games gold. 'What a thrilling final and a magnificent Gold for the Women's Kabaddi Team! The team has displayed remarkable courage, composure and teamwork. India is proud of our Kabaddi champions,' the PMO posted on X.
Hours later, the Indian men's kabaddi team completed the double by beating Iran 40-34 in the men's final, having trailed 17-18 at half-time before staging a strong second-half fightback. The win was India's ninth men's kabaddi gold at the Asian Games — an unbroken streak that underscores the country's dominance in the sport at the continental level. 'Champions once again! Their determination has brought immense pride to the nation,' the PMO said.
Squash and Table Tennis: Bronze Medals for Mixed Doubles Pairs
In squash, Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar secured a bronze medal in the mixed doubles event after losing a tightly contested semifinal to Hong Kong, China's Lee Ka Yi and Tang Ming Hong 10-11, 11-2, 10-11. 'Their skill and determination are exceptional,' the PMO wrote, congratulating the pair on their podium finish.
In mixed doubles table tennis, Manush Shah and Diya Chitale also claimed bronze after advancing to the semifinals, where they fell 0-4 to China's Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha. Modi noted that the medal 'adds another proud moment to the rising popularity of Table Tennis in India' and expressed hope it would inspire young players to take up the sport.
Shooting Silver: Rifle Trio Finishes Second Behind China
In the women's 50m rifle 3 positions team event, Tilottama Sen, Vidarsa Vinod Kochalumkal, and Ashi Chouksey won silver with a combined score of 1,763. China topped the standings with 1,773, while Kazakhstan claimed bronze with 1,754. Modi called it 'a fine display of precision' and wished the trio continued success.
Tajinderpal Singh Toor Wins Shot Put Silver, Third Straight Asian Games Medal
Shot put veteran Tajinderpal Singh Toor secured the silver medal in the men's event with a best throw of 20.64m. Gold went to Iran's Mohammadreza Tayebi, who set a Games record of 20.81m, while Saudi Arabia's Mohammed Tolu took bronze with 20.48m. Toor, who had won gold at both the 2018 Jakarta and 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, claimed his third consecutive medal at the continental event. 'Tajinderpal has consistently brought laurels to the nation through his focus and perseverance. Another Asian Games medal is a fitting addition to his remarkable journey,' the PMO wrote on X.
India's multi-sport medal haul on this day reflects a broadening competitive depth across disciplines, with athletics, racket sports, combat events, and precision shooting all contributing to the tally. The Asian Games continue, with more Indian athletes in contention in the coming days.
Point of View
Squash, table tennis, and athletics on the same day signal that India is no longer a two-sport story at the Asiad. The political optics of Modi's rapid-fire X posts — one per medal, with PMO quotes ready almost in real time — also reflect how deeply sports success has been woven into the government's public communications strategy.
NationPress
26 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Did India win gold in kabaddi at the Asian Games?
Yes, India won gold in both men's and women's kabaddi at the Asian Games. The women's team defeated Iran 37-34, while the men's team beat Iran 40-34 to retain the title they won at the 2022 Hangzhou Games. The men's victory was India's ninth kabaddi gold at the Asian Games.
Who won the squash mixed doubles bronze for India?
Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar won the bronze medal in the mixed doubles squash event. They lost their semifinal to Hong Kong, China's Lee Ka Yi and Tang Ming Hong by 10-11, 11-2, 10-11, which assured them of a bronze.
How did Tajinderpal Singh Toor perform at the Asian Games?
Tajinderpal Singh Toor won the silver medal in men's shot put with a best throw of 20.64m. Iran's Mohammadreza Tayebi claimed gold with a Games-record 20.81m. It was Toor's third consecutive Asian Games medal, having won gold in 2018 and 2022.
Which Indian shooters won a medal at the Asian Games?
Tilottama Sen, Vidarsa Vinod Kochalumkal, and Ashi Chouksey won silver in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions team event with a combined score of 1,763. China topped the podium with 1,773, and Kazakhstan took bronze with 1,754.
What did PM Modi say about India's Asian Games performers?
Prime Minister Modi, through the PMO's official X account, individually congratulated each set of medallists on 26 September. He praised the kabaddi teams for 'remarkable courage and composure', called the shooting trio's effort 'a fine display of precision', and said Tajinderpal's medal is 'a fitting addition to his remarkable journey'.
