Teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stood out among India’s Asian Games 2026 contingent as Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured the country’s young athletes at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday. Sooryavanshi, part of the Indian men’s cricket team that won gold in Tokyo, was recognised alongside other medal-winning teenagers.
Modi praised athletes across disciplines including cricket, hockey, and boxing, noting the “spectacular performances” of players aged 15 to 17. Although the Prime Minister did not name Sooryavanshi specifically, the camera focused on the young cricketer as Modi spoke about the accomplishments of India’s teenage athletes. Sooryavanshi responded with a broad smile.
“This time in the Asian Games, there were many players on Team India whose age was only 15 to 17 years. At such a young age, these players have enhanced the pride of the country with their spectacular performances. They have won the hearts of the countrymen,” Modi said. “This shows that for success, age is not a restriction. In sports, it is the start made at a young age that becomes an added advantage.”
The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of early talent identification and training. He said the government was focusing on spotting sporting talent in children aged five to 15, with programmes like Khelo India and Emerging Khelo India set to provide thousands of new players with opportunities to advance.
“Therefore, it is our effort that in sports, the identification of talent should happen at a young age. For children between 5 and 15 years of age, we are especially focused on identifying sporting talent and its training. In the coming years, thousands of new players will get opportunities to advance through Khelo India and Emerging Khelo India,” Modi told the gathering.
Modi’s praise extended to India’s women athletes, who won 38 of the country’s 85 medals at the Asian Games, including 11 golds. “Friends, I would like to especially praise our daughters. Out of the 85 medals won by India, 38 medals were won by our women athletes, and 11 gold medals are included in them. These medals are not just a number. This is a picture of a new India,” he said.
The ceremony at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium brought together athletes from various sports who contributed to India’s medal haul in Aichi-Nagoya. Modi’s address highlighted the government’s intention to nurture young talent and strengthen India’s presence at major international sporting events.
Sooryavanshi’s presence symbolised the emergence of teenage athletes making an impact on the international stage. His gold medal with the Indian men’s cricket team in Tokyo stands as an example of the youth making strides in a sport traditionally dominated by more experienced players.
The Prime Minister’s remarks underlined a shift towards sustained investment in youth development in Indian sports, aiming to build on recent successes and expand the country’s medal-winning potential in future competitions.
According to Yahoo Sports.