PM Modi Hails Commonwealth Games Medallists: “Jo Khelega, Woh Khilega”
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hosted India’s Commonwealth Games 2026 medal winners at his official residence in New Delhi, extending his personal congratulations for their remarkable performances in Glasgow. The high-profile interaction took place shortly after India secured an impressive fourth position in the Games’ overall medal standings, a testament to the nation’s growing prowess on the global sporting stage.
Following the engaging meeting, Prime Minister Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a video snippet of the interaction, accompanied by the inspiring caption, “Always #Cheer4Bharat.” The video prominently featured gold medallist boxer Sakshi Chaudhary, alongside other celebrated members of India’s medal-winning contingent, reflecting the joyous atmosphere of the occasion.
In the video, Sakshi Chaudhary expressed her profound 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?”
Responding to Sakshi, Prime Minister Modi delivered a powerful and memorable message: “Jo khelega, woh khilega” (The one who plays, will blossom). He further reiterated the national sentiment with, “Always cheer for Bharat.” The interaction concluded with the Prime Minister leading the athletes in a resounding chant of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” three times, symbolizing unity and national pride.
India’s Glasgow Campaign: A Tale of Resilience and Triumph
India’s performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow was nothing short of exceptional, particularly given the circumstances. The nation concluded its campaign with a formidable tally of 39 medals, comprising 13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze medals. This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering India dispatched a significantly smaller contingent compared to the Birmingham 2022 Games.
While India sent 210 athletes to Birmingham, the Glasgow contingent comprised only 122. Furthermore, 30 of Birmingham’s 61 medals were secured in sports that were not featured in the Glasgow edition, presenting an additional challenge for the Indian athletes.
Despite these constraints and reduced opportunities, India not only retained its impressive fourth-place standing in the overall medal table but also saw 38 individual athletes returning home with medals. Among them, Gulveer Singh distinguished himself as the sole Indian athlete to secure two medals, showcasing remarkable versatility and skill.
The Glasgow Games also held significant symbolic importance for India beyond the medal count. The event marked the ceremonial handover of the Commonwealth Games flag and the prestigious ceremonial baton to India. This gesture officially designated India as the host nation for the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games, which is slated to take place in Ahmedabad in 2030. This upcoming event is anticipated to be a grand celebration of sport, culture, and international camaraderie, further cementing India’s position as a prominent player in the global sporting arena.
