Asian Games: PM Modi congratulates Gulveer, Manpreet, Baranica on athletics medals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian athletes Gulveer Singh, Manpreet Kaur, and Baranica Elangovan on September 25, 2026, praising their remarkable performances and medal wins in athletics at the 20th Asian Games. Hailing their endurance, strength, and historical achievements, PM Modi noted that their success reflects the dedication of Indian sports talent and inspires the entire nation.

PM Modi Applauds India's Athletics Heroes

In a series of messages sharing the nation's pride, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the trio for bringing laurels to the country through their grit and relentless determination. Celebrating the athletes' podium finishes on social media, PM Modi emphasized how their success on the continental stage showcases the rising standard of Indian track and field disciplines.

"Congratulations to Gulveer Singh on winning the Silver Medal in the Men's 10,000m event at the Asian Games! His outstanding endurance, speed, and hard work have made the entire nation proud," the Prime Minister shared, praising the long-distance runner's double podium achievement in Asian Games history.

PM Modi also extended heartfelt felicitations to Baranica Elangovan for scripting history in the field events, as well as shot-putter Manpreet Kaur for securing a well-deserved medal. He praised Baranica's breakthrough effort in introducing India to the pole vault podium, calling it a inspiring landmark for young aspiring field athletes across the nation.

Historic Night at the Stadium: Breakdown of Medal Winners

Stellar Show on the Track and Field

The athletics session delivered a flurry of achievements for the Indian contingent. Distance runner Gulveer Singh, who had previously won a bronze medal at the Hangzhou edition, upgraded his hardware by securing a silver in the men's 10,000 meters. Staying with the leading pack throughout the grueling 25-lap race, the Naib Subedar in the Indian Army clocked 28:29.38 to finish behind Bahrain's Birhanu Balew. With this silver, Gulveer created history as the first Indian long-distance athlete to claim two Asian Games medals in the 10,000m discipline.

In field events, 29-year-old Baranica Elangovan from Tamil Nadu penned a brand-new chapter in Indian sports history by clinching a bronze medal in the women's pole vault. Clearing a height of 4.15 meters, Baranica shared the bronze step on the podium alongside Kazakhstan's Polina Ivanova after an identical countback score. Her effort delivered India's first-ever medal in pole vaulting at the Asian Games.

Adding further shine to the field lineup, veteran shot-putter Manpreet Kaur demonstrated composure under pressure in the women's shot put. The 36-year-old achieved a season-best mark of 17.17 meters on her fourth attempt, holding off competitors to claim the bronze medal behind China's gold and silver medalists.

A Boost for India's Continental Campaign

The trio's medal sweep highlighted a strong evening for India's track and field squad, lifting team morale and boosting the overall medal count. Sports leaders, fellow athletes, and fans across the country joined PM Modi in congratulating the trio for their triumphs.

The Prime Minister reiterated the government's commitment to supporting grassroots athletic talents through schemes like Khelo India and TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme), ensuring that promising athletes receive world-class training facilities and international exposure. As competition progresses, the podium finishes by Gulveer, Baranica, and Manpreet serve as a powerful catalyst for the remaining Indian squad aiming for glory.