New Delhi: The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, felicitated services athletes on Monday after they secured 27 medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, the defence forces’ highest tally at the continental competition. Athletes from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force won six gold, 11 silver and 10 bronze medals.
A total of 92 services athletes competed across 19 disciplines at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, held from September 19 to October 4. India sent a 503-member contingent and finished fourth with 85 medals, comprizing 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze.
The services accounted for 32 per cent of India’s overall medals and 28.57 per cent of its gold medals, according to the defence ministry. Although the defence forces registered their best Asian Games result, India’s overall tally remained below the national record of 107 medals at Hangzhou in 2023.
Nb Sub Neeru Dhanda’s double gold, Nb Sub Gulveer Singh’s historic treble
Naib Subedar Neeru Dhanda, led the Services’ individual performances with two gold medals and a silver in trap shooting. Her victory in the women’s individual trap final, where she registered an Asian record score of 28, made her the first Indian woman to win the event at the Asian Games.
She also partnered Kynan Chenai to win mixed team trap gold and shared women’s team silver with Manisha Keer and Aashima Ahlawat. Following her three-medal campaign, she was selected as India’s women’s flag-bearer at the closing ceremony.
Naib Subedar Gulveer Singh, secured silver medals in the men’s 1,500 metres and 10,000 metres before taking bronze in the 5,000 metres. He became the first Indian male track and field athlete to win three individual medals at a single Asian Games, completing four races, including a qualifying heat, in five days.
Havildar Sawan Barwal finished second in the men’s marathon with a national record time of 2:11:37, ending India’s 44-year wait for an Asian Games marathon medal. Naib Subedar, Sarvesh Kushare won silver in the men’s high jump, securing India’s first medal in the event in 56 years.
These performances came in disciplines that contributed substantially to India’s overall medal tally. Athletics accounted for 24 medals across the Indian contingent, while shooting delivered another 15, according to the Indian Olympic association.
Rajnath, credits training system, sets sights on Los Angeles Olympics
At the felicitation ceremony in New Delhi, Singh highlighted the discipline, hard work and team spirit behind the athletes’ achievements. He drew attention to early morning training, demanding fitness routines, injury rehabilitation and extended periods away from families while balancing military responsibilities with sporting preparation.
The defence minister also acknowledged athletes who competed without winning medals, emphasizing persistence and commitment rather than judging sporting efforts solely by podium finishes. He recognized the contribution of coaches, physiotherapists, nutritionists, other support staff and families in preparing athletes for international competition.
Singh credited the Mission Olympic Wing with identifying promising sportspersons, developing their abilities and providing scientific training and specialized sporting facilities. The initiative supports athletes through structured preparation aimed at improving their performances in major international competitions.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Singh called for a focused and systematic approach to preparation, urging athletes to set higher targets while asking trainers and support personnel to maintain professional standards.
The minister of consumer affairs, food and public distribution, Pralhad Joshi, and the chief of the Army staff, General Dhiraj Seth, were also present at the ceremony.
The services’ performance in Japan underlined the contribution of military sporting institutions to India’s national teams, particularly in athletics and shooting. Sustaining those gains through scientific training, competitive exposure and athlete support will remain important as preparations intensify for the Los Angeles Olympics.