A reflection of determination & excellence: PM Modi lauds India's 19-medal haul at U20 Athletics C'ships
New Delhi, June 1
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded the Indian U20 athletics contingent for their 19-medal haul, including 10 gold, at the U20 Athletics Championships, calling it a reflection of the determination and excellence of young athletes.
The Indian contingent wrapped up their campaign in style by adding three gold medals to their tally on the final day and overall finished second with 19 medals. Besdies 10 gold medals, the Indian team also won five silver and four bronze medals.
"Congratulations to the Indian contingent at the 22nd Asian U20 Athletics Championships for winning 19 medals, including 10 golds. This outstanding performance reflects the determination and excellence of India's young athletes. May these achievements inspire many more young Indians to pursue sports in the years to come," PM Modi shared on X
Based on the total number of medals, it was not India's best-ever return at the competition, but the benchmark remains the 2024 edition in Dubai, where India won 29 medals, including seven gold, 11 silver and 11 bronze.
On the final day, after Muskan won the women's 5000m in 16:53.08, Nishchay took silver in the men's discus throw with a national U20 record of 60.10m, and Mogali Venkatram Reddy won the men's 800m gold in 1:48.27, Neeru Pathak anchored the Indian 4x400m women's team to gold.
Other members of the victorious Indian 4x400m women's relay squad that clocked 3:38.07 seconds to better the meet record were Bhumika Sanjay Nehate, Tahura Khatun and Sehnoor Bawa. The previous meet record of 3:38.20 was set by Japan in 2018.
The Indian men's 4x400m relay team also improved the meet record of 3:07.38 but finished third with a time of 3:05.54. The team members were Piyush Raj, Sayed Sabeer Sayed Sabeer, Ranjith Kumar S and Mohammed Ashfaq.
The women's 4x100m relay also won silver with a time of 45.05 seconds. The team members were Kajal Hirabhai Vaja, Bhavana G, Aarti and Nipam.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Kudos to all our young athletes! Especially Muskan in the 5000m and Mogali Venkatram Reddy in the 800m. Making India proud at such a young age. PM Modi's encouragement is well-deserved. This is just the beginning, I hope.
Great achievement, but we need to focus on converting this promise into Olympic success. The 2024 haul of 29 medals was better, so consistency is key. Still, these young athletes deserve all the praise. Well done!
It's heartening to see so many girls on the podium: Muskan, Neeru Pathak, Bhumika, Tahura, Sehnoor, Kajal, Bhavana, Aarti, and Nipam. Women power is definitely on the rise! Let's make sure these champions get proper training and support at home too.
The men's 4x400m team clocking a meet record but still getting silver? That's tough. Shows how competitive Asian athletics has become. Proud of our team pushing the limits though. Nishchay's national U20 record in discus throw is also amazing. 🙌
Well done by our juniors! But let's be honest, we need to improve our sports infrastructure in rural areas. Many of these kids come from humble backgrounds. The government's Khelo India program is good, but we need more grassroots investment. Still, congratulations to all medal winners! 👏
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