Asian Games 2026: Modi congratulates India's badminton, skeet bronze winners
Synopsis
India claimed two bronzes at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya — one historic. The skeet mixed team pair of Naruka and Parinaaz secured India's first-ever Asian Games medal in the event, finishing level with South Korea on 44 hits but losing the silver on tie-break. PM Modi publicly celebrated both achievements through the PMO's X account.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi congratulated India's men's badminton team and skeet pair Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Parinaaz Dhaliwal on winning bronze at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan .
The skeet mixed team bronze is India's first-ever Asian Games medal in the event; Naruka and Parinaaz finished with 44 hits from 48 shots , losing the silver to South Korea on a tie-break.
China won the skeet gold with 45 hits ; South Korea took silver.
India's men's badminton team secured bronze after a 1-3 semi-final defeat to defending champions China ; Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won India's lone point.
The badminton bronze is India's second team medal in the sport at the Asian Games, following Satwik and Chirag's doubles gold at the 2023 Hangzhou Games .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 24 September 2026 congratulated two Indian contingents — the men's badminton team and the skeet mixed team pair of Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Parinaaz Dhaliwal — after both secured bronze medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The skeet mixed team result carried special significance, marking India's first-ever podium finish in that event at the Asian Games.
Historic Bronze in Skeet Mixed Team
Naruka and Parinaaz finished the final with 44 hits from 48 shots, level with South Korea. The tie-break, decided on qualifying scores, handed Korea the silver, leaving India with the bronze. China claimed gold with 45 hits. In their decisive final series, the Indian pair produced a perfect eight from eight to secure the medal. Modi, through the PMO's official handle on X, wrote: 'Their achievement marks India's first-ever medal in this event at the Asian Games. Best wishes to both of them! May this success inspire many more milestones in the times to come.'
Men's Badminton Team Claims Bronze After China Defeat
India's men's badminton team received the bronze after falling 1-3 to defending champions China in the semi-finals. Lakshya Sen lost the opening singles to Shi Yuqi. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty levelled the tie by defeating Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang. However, Ayush Shetty lost to Li Shifeng, before the doubles pair of M.R. Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan fell to He Ji Ting and Liu Yi in the fourth and decisive match. The PMO's post noted: 'The entire team displayed great spirit throughout the competition.'
India's Badminton History at Asian Games
This bronze is India's second badminton team medal at the Asian Games. The first came at the 2023 Hangzhou Games, where Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won gold in men's doubles — a landmark achievement that elevated Indian badminton's continental standing. Notably, the same Satwik-Chirag pairing was instrumental in drawing India's sole point against China in the semi-finals here in Aichi-Nagoya.
What Modi Said
Both messages were shared via the PMO's official X account. On the badminton bronze, Modi said: 'This medal reflects their passion and hard work.' On the skeet duo, he described their achievement as a milestone that could inspire future generations. The dual congratulatory messages underline the government's consistent practice of acknowledging multi-sport Asian Games performances publicly and at the highest level.
India's Medal Momentum at Aichi-Nagoya
The twin bronzes add to India's growing tally at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. India's performance in shooting disciplines has been bolstered by a steadily expanding competitive depth, while the badminton team's run to the semi-finals — past strong opponents — reflects a broader rise in the sport domestically. The remaining individual events across both disciplines could yet yield further medals for the Indian contingent.
Point of View
Built on long-term athlete development rather than headline investment. The badminton story is more complex; losing 1-3 to China in the semis exposes the gap that still exists at the top, even as Satwik and Chirag continue to punch at the elite level. Modi's public congratulations are now a fixture of India's sporting calendar, but the structural questions — funding pipelines, coaching depth, and competitive exposure — remain less visible than the podium moments.
NationPress
24 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What medals did India win in badminton and skeet shooting at the 2026 Asian Games?
India won bronze in both the men's badminton team event and the skeet mixed team event at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The skeet result — secured by Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Parinaaz Dhaliwal — is India's first-ever Asian Games medal in that discipline.
How did Naruka and Parinaaz win the skeet mixed team bronze?
The Indian pair finished with 44 hits from 48 shots in the final, level with South Korea. South Korea was awarded the silver on the tie-break based on qualifying scores, leaving India with bronze. China won gold with 45 hits.
Why did India's men's badminton team receive a bronze instead of competing for gold?
India lost 1-3 to defending champions China in the semi-finals, earning the bronze as the losing semi-finalist. Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, and the doubles pair of Arjun and Hariharan lost their matches, with only Satwik and Chirag winning their doubles rubber.
Is this India's first badminton team medal at the Asian Games?
No — it is India's second. The first was the men's doubles gold won by Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, which was an individual-event gold rather than a team medal. This 2026 bronze is notable as a team result.
What did PM Modi say about the two bronze medals?
PM Modi, via the PMO's official X account, praised both achievements. On the skeet duo, he noted it marked 'India's first-ever medal in this event at the Asian Games.' On the badminton team, he said the medal 'reflects their passion and hard work' and commended the team's spirit throughout the competition.
