Prime Minister Narendra Modi met India's Commonwealth Games 2026 medallists in New Delhi on Sunday, congratulating the athletes on their performances at the Glasgow Games and celebrating their achievements.
PM Modi also shared a video from the meeting on social media, capturing a light-hearted interaction with the Indian athletes. Gold medal-winning boxer Sakshi Chaudhary was seen holding a selfie camera during the interaction and addressing the Prime Minister.
"Hello friends. Our honourable PM sir has invited all the Commonwealth Games medallists here and we are feeling proud about it. We felt good meeting him. He is very humble. Sir, you also please say something," she said.
PM Modi then said, "Jo khelega, wo khilega (The one who plays will blossom). Always cheer for Bharat. Bharat mata ki jai."
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Always #Cheer4Bharat. pic.twitter.com/eSjh8o1Ris
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 9, 2026
India had plenty to celebrate at the Glasgow Games, finishing fourth in the medals table with 39 medals, 13 gold, 17 silver and 9 bronze to finish a successful campaign.
While India's overall medal tally was lower than the 61 medals won at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022, the numbers do not tell the complete story.
Thirty of India's 61 medals in Birmingham had come in sports that were not part of the Glasgow programme. India also fielded a much smaller contingent in Glasgow, with 122 athletes compared with 210 four years ago.
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
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Despite the reduced number of athletes and a different sporting programme, India retained its fourth-place finish in the medals table. The country also produced a better medal conversion rate, with 38 athletes returning home with medals.
Long-distance runner Gulveer Singh was the only Indian athlete to win two medals at the Glasgow Games.
India's attention will now turn to the next significant Commonwealth Games milestone after the ceremonial handover. The Commonwealth Games centenary will take place in Ahmedabad in 2030.
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