PM Modi praises teenage medalists from Asia, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s reaction says it all

PM Modi and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 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 2026 Asian Games contingent felicitated by Prime Minister Modi at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday. The young cricketer was part of the Indian men’s cricket team that won gold at the Tokyo Games.During the ceremony, Modi felicitated Indian athletes across disciplines, including cricket, hockey and boxing. He also celebrated records broken and significant milestones achieved at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Sooryavanshi replied with a big smile

In his speech, the Prime Minister specifically appreciated the athletes between the ages of 15 and 17 who won medals for India.Watch:Although he did not mention Sooryavanshi by name, the camera panned towards the young cricketer as Modi talked about the teenager’s achievements. Sooryavanshi replied with a big smile.

Sooryavanshi’s Reaction (Screengrab)

“This time in the Asian Games, there were many players in the Indian team aged just 15 to 17 years. At such a young age, these players have made the country proud with their spectacular performances. They have won the hearts of the countrymen. This shows that age is not the limit for success. In sports, it is starting at a young age that becomes an added advantage,” Modi said.The Prime Minister further emphasized the importance of recognizing and nurturing sports talents at an early age. He said the government is placing special emphasis on identifying and training young athletes between the ages of five and 15.“Therefore, it is our effort to identify talent in sports at a young age. For children between the ages of 5 and 15, we focus especially on the identification of sports talent and its training. In the coming years, thousands of new players will get the opportunity to advance through Khelo India and Emerging Khelo India,” he added.Modi also praised Indian female athletes for their contribution to the country’s medal tally. He noted that women have won 38 of India’s 85 medals, including 11 gold, at the Asian Games.“My friends, I would like to commend our daughters in particular. Out of the 85 medals that India has won, 38 medals have been won by our women athletes and that includes 11 gold medals. These medals are not just a number. This is a picture of a new India,” the Prime Minister said.