Asian Games 2026: PT Usha names Kumkum Mohod, Sujeet Kalkal as Team India MVPs after historic golds

Kumkum Mohod and Sujeet Kalkal NEW DELHI: Teenage archer Kumkum Mohod and wrestler Sujeet Kalkal have been recognized as the outstanding performers of India’s campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, with Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha naming them the inaugural recipients of the Jaspal Rana Award and Raja Randhir Singh Award.The two awards were given by the IOA to recognize the best athletes and sportspersons of the Games and commemorate the legacy of two stalwarts of Indian sports.17-year-old Mohod, making her Asian Games debut, won three medals, including two golds, while 23-year-old Kalkal produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the Games to win gold in the men’s 65kg freestyle category.India finished fourth in the medal tally with 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze medals.

Mohod ended the long reign of South Korea

Mohod was at the heart of one of the biggest breakthroughs for Indian archery at Aichi-Nagoya.Along with Ankita Bhakat and Kirti, she won the women’s team gold, ending South Korea’s remarkable run of seven consecutive Asian Games titles in the tournament dating back to the 1998 Bangkok Games.Mohoda then followed with gold in the individual recurve event, ensuring that South Korean women failed to win recurve gold at the Asian Games for the first time in the event’s history. Her individual triumph also secured India’s quota for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Indian Kumkum Anil Mohod (Image: REUTERS)

Appreciating Mohoda’s ability to deliver under pressure, Usha drew a parallel with the late Jaspal Rana, after whom the award was named.“It is fitting that Kumkum is the first recipient of the Jaspal Rana award as Jaspal also burst onto the scene as a prodigy at the 1994 Asian Games. Her composure under pressure and her ability to find her best form when her back is against the wall are very good for Indian Archery,” said Usha.The IOA president believes that Mohoda’s breakthrough could finally help Indian archery overcome the long-standing barrier to the Olympics.“Indian archers have been knocking on the door for more than a decade and I strongly believe that this performance by Kumkum and her recurve teammates has broken the glass ceiling for Indian archery. India came close to winning its first Olympic medal in the sport at the Paris Olympics and I am confident that the final frontier will be crossed at the Los Angeles Olympics,” Usha added.

Calculus turns a lost final into gold

Meanwhile, Kalkal earned the Raja Randhir Singh Award for a gold medal that showcased his resilience and fighting spirit.The 23-year-old beat reigning Olympic champion Kotaro Kiyoka of Japan in the semi-finals and staged a stunning comeback against Abdulmazhid Kudiyev in the final.Trailing 2-9 with time running out, Kalkal refused to give up and fought back in a dramatic finish to win 10-9. His triumph also continued India’s strong tradition in the 65kg category, following Yogeshwar Dutt and Bajrang Punia who won Asian Games gold in the same weight category in 2014 and 2018 respectively.

Sujeet Kalkal with the coach after winning the gold medal. (PTI Photo)

Usha said it was Kalkal’s refusal to accept defeat that made his performance particularly special.“Wrestling is an Indian sport and Sujeet’s performance will be talked about for years to come. The gold medal will be celebrated but his never say die attitude and refusal to accept silver earned him a special place in the hearts of all Indians,” she said.“Winning gold medals in an elite competition is not easy, but the effort you put in when your back is against the wall is just as important. I wish Sujeet all the best in the years to come and will be rooting for him to win India’s first ever wrestling gold medal at the Olympics in two years.”The IOA will felicitate Mohoda and Kalkal at a ceremony in the coming days.Their selection provides fitting individual recognition to two athletes whose performances have stood out in India’s 85-medal campaign.