NEW DELHI: Teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was all smiles as Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the achievements of young Indian athletes at major sporting events, including the Asian Games.Sooryavanshi was among the country’s Asian Games 2026 contingent honoured by PM Modi at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday. The young cricketer was part of the Indian men’s cricket team that clinched gold at the Games in Tokyo.During the felicitation ceremony, Modi praised India’s athletes across disciplines, including cricket, hockey and boxing. He also celebrated the records broken and significant milestones achieved at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Sooryavanshi responded with a broad smile
In his address, the Prime Minister specifically acknowledged athletes aged between 15 and 17 who had won medals for India.Watch:Although he did not mention Sooryavanshi by name, the camera turned towards the young cricketer as Modi spoke about the accomplishments of teenagers. Sooryavanshi responded with a broad smile.
Sooryavanshi’s reaction (Screengrab)
“This time in the Asian Games, there were many players on Team India whose age was only 15 to 17 years. At such a young age, these players have enhanced the pride of the country with their spectacular performances. They have won the hearts of the countrymen. This shows that for success, age is not a restriction. In sports, it is the start made at a young age that becomes an added advantage,” Modi said.The Prime Minister went on to underline the importance of spotting and nurturing sporting talent early in life. He said the government was placing particular emphasis on identifying and training young athletes between the ages of five and 15.“Therefore, it is our effort that in sports, the identification of talent should happen at a young age. For children between 5 and 15 years of age, we are especially focused on identifying sporting talent and its training. In the coming years, thousands of new players will get opportunities to advance through Khelo India and Emerging Khelo India,” he added.Modi also lauded India’s women athletes for their contribution to the country’s medal tally. He noted that women won 38 of India’s 85 medals, including 11 gold medals, at the Asian Games.
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“Friends, I would like to especially praise our daughters. Out of the 85 medals won by India, 38 medals were won by our women athletes, and 11 gold medals are included in them. These medals are not just a number. This is a picture of a new India,” the Prime Minister said.