Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at an event in New Delhi recognized and praised the medal winners, participants, and support staff from the Armed Forces who recently competed at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. He had the opportunity to engage with a total of 76 players and support personnel, conveying his congratulations for their impressive performances at the Games.
On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, the minister announced cash awards for the Armed Forces personnel who brought pride to the nation by securing 16 individual medals (03 Gold, 06 Silver & 07 Bronze) and eight team medals (02 Gold, 03 Silver & 03 Bronze) at the Games.
Gold medal recipients will receive Rs 25 lakh; Silver medallists will be granted Rs 15 lakh, and bronze medal winners will be presented with Rs 10 lakh. A group of 88 soldiers, including three female athletes, competed in 18 disciplines during the Games, which were held from September 23 to October 08, 2023.
In his address, Singh praised the dedication of the players, including those who displayed remarkable effort despite not securing medals. He highlighted the inspirational story of Milkha Singh, known as the “Flying Sikh,” who narrowly missed a medal in the 400-meter race at the 1960 Olympics in Rome but went on to become a guiding light in Indian athletics. Milkha Singh continues to inspire us to this day.
The minister expressed confidence that the medals and outstanding performances will serve as a source of inspiration for the youth of the nation. He emphasized that the players represent not only medals but also a narrative of excellence in Indian society. “You are not just medal-bearers; you are ambassadors of excellence,” he encouraged the athletes.
And he lauded the Armed Forces personnel for consistently achieving success at various Games. He noted that whether on the battlefield or the sports field, a soldier’s performance is driven by dedication, discipline, hard work, and the desire to contribute to the nation. These qualities play a vital role in bringing medals to India in the realm of sports. He highlighted that within every soldier, there is a sportsman, and within every sportsman, there is a soldier.
Singh also highlighted that the players’ performances reflect the image of a rapidly advancing and potent ‘New India.’ He pointed out that studies indicate a correlation between a nation’s sporting progress and its economic prosperity. As India continues to grow economically, it achieves greater success in various fields, including sports.
The minister stated that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is experiencing advancements in defence, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other sectors. He shared that India’s development journey is gaining recognition globally and mentioned India’s inclusion in the ‘Government Bond Index – Emerging Markets’ by JP Morgan Chase. This signifies India’s growing economic strength and its ambition to excel further.
He underlined the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering a sports culture in India. Initiatives like the Fit India and Khelo India campaigns have been introduced to promote sports awareness among the youth. Additionally, through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, India aims to increase its medal count in the Olympics. The government is also actively working toward the goal of hosting the Olympic Games in 2036, showcasing its determination to propel Indian athletes to new heights of success.
The felicitation ceremony was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, and senior officers of the Sports Control Board of the respective services.