Prime Minister Modi Hails Commonwealth Games Heroes: "From Every Drop of Tears, Gold Medals Are Dripping"
NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a heartfelt tribute to India’s Commonwealth Games 2026 medal winners on Sunday, hosting the triumphant contingent at his official residence, 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. In an emotional interaction, the Prime Minister reflected on the profound sacrifices and journeys that culminated in India’s successful campaign in Glasgow, capturing the essence of their achievements with the poignant remark, “From every drop of tears, gold medals are dripping.”
India’s contingent returned from Glasgow with an impressive haul of 39 medals, comprising 13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze, securing a commendable fourth-place finish in the overall standings. The Prime Minister spent the afternoon engaging with the athletes, listening intently as they recounted defining moments and personal struggles from their Games experience.
A particularly moving exchange involved Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu, whose gold-medal triumph was accompanied by visible emotion. Recalling the scene, Prime Minister Modi addressed Chanu directly, stating, “Tears were falling from you. I feel as if from every drop of tears, gold medals are dripping.”
Mirabai Recalls Four Years of Struggle
Mirabai Chanu, who clinched gold in Glasgow, openly shared the arduous path that led to her victory, including the profound disappointment of missing a medal by a mere kilogram at the Paris Olympics. “I was very happy, and emotional too. That day the happiness was greater and I cried because at the Paris Olympics, I lost a medal by 1 kg. In a player’s life what all we have to face. So within these 4 years, how much and what all I had faced, every time injuries were going on and all that was happening. So with great difficulty I had faced these 4 years. So when all that happened, on the podium when I stood, sir, and when our flag goes up and our national anthem plays, sir, we cannot stop, sir, tears come out on their own,” she articulated, her words painting a vivid picture of resilience and national pride.
Prime Minister Modi responded by emphasizing the broader societal impact of such athletic achievements. “This is very good. It is not as if this achievement of yours is considered only your achievement; your victory becomes a very big inspiration for the coming generations,” he affirmed, highlighting the athletes’ role as national motivators.
‘One Family Will Bring Three Medals’
The informal interaction also offered glimpses into the athletes’ lighter moments and deeply personal aspirations. Prime Minister Modi light-heartedly reminded para shot put gold medallist Sharmila Dhankar of a previous promise. “You made a promise. Last time, yours, both daughters will become players,” he quipped with a smile. Dhankar confidently replied, “Haanji, right now they are young in age. In the next Commonwealth, one family will bring 3 medals,” showcasing the aspirational spirit within the athletic community.
Men’s 100m T47 gold medallist Dilip Gavit shared a touching anecdote, dedicating his performance to his guru. “When I was running, when my event was on 29th (July), that day was Guru Purnima, so that day I gave a gift to my guru,” he revealed, underscoring the values of respect and gratitude ingrained in Indian culture.
In a video posted by the Prime Minister, gold medallist boxer Sakshi Chaudhary introduced herself and the contingent, expressing their immense pride. “Hello friends! This is Sakshi Chaudhary. Today, our honourable Prime Minister has invited us, the Commonwealth Games medalists, and we feel very proud. We are extremely happy to have met him; he is very humble. Sir, would you like to say something?” she asked. Prime Minister Modi’s succinct and powerful response encapsulated his interaction with the athletes: “Jo khelega, woh khilega” (The one who plays, will blossom). He concluded with a resounding call to action: “Always cheer for Bharat.”
India’s Glasgow Success
India’s impressive fourth-place finish in Glasgow is particularly noteworthy given the constraints faced. The contingent comprised 122 athletes, significantly smaller than the 210 sent to Birmingham in 2022. Furthermore, 30 of India’s 61 medals from the 2022 Games were in sports not featured in the Glasgow program. Despite these limitations, India not only maintained its fourth-place standing but also improved its medal conversion rate, with 38 athletes returning home with medals. Long-distance runner Gulveer Singh was the sole Indian athlete to secure two medals.
The Glasgow Games concluded after 11 days, with Scotland formally handing over the Commonwealth Games flag and ceremonial baton to India. This symbolic gesture marks India’s preparedness to host the 2030 edition in Ahmedabad. The esteemed symbols were received by Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha, and Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi during the closing ceremony. Ahmedabad is poised to become only the second Indian city to host the Commonwealth Games, following New Delhi’s successful staging of the event in 2010.
