In an unparalleled moment of sporting glory, India etched its name in the annals of the Asian Games, securing its 100th medal on Saturday, 7th October. The venue, Hongzhou, reverberated with applause as the medal counter for the Indian squad touched the three-figure mark for the very first time in the history of the Asian Games.

President Droupadi Murmu congratulated the winners of Asian Games "India created history by winning 100 medals for the first time in Asian Games," tweets President Droupadi Murmu.

The decisive medal, a golden feather in India's cap, came from an adrenaline-charged match where the Indian women's kabaddi team clinched victory over Chinese Taipei with a razor-thin margin of 26-25. This was especially sweet, given the backdrop of the group stage where the same adversary managed to hold India to a tense 34-34 draw.

Central to this spectacular win was Pooja, whose super raid in the first half bolstered the team's confidence, propelling them to a 14-9 lead. As the game's tempo escalated in the second half, the Indian side augmented their advantage to a comfortable seven points. However, Chinese Taipei, showcasing commendable grit, made a riveting comeback by netting five successive points, ensuring spectators were on the edge of their seats till the final whistle.

Echoing the sentiments of a billion hearts, Prime Minister Modi lauded this momentous achievement, emphasizing India's growing stature in the global sports arena.

The 19th Asian Games 2023: India Celebrates its Centennial Medal Triumph

Adding another golden page to its Asian Games history, India surpassed its previous benchmarks by securing its 100th medal at the ongoing Asian Games 2023. Notably, this is the first instance where India has managed to reach this illustrious three-figure mark, reflecting a testament to the country's consistent growth in the realm of sports.

This monumental achievement was brought home by the fierce Indian women's kabaddi team, who bagged the gold medal on 7th October, at the 19th Asian Games hosted in Hangzhou. Their victory was not just a win on the scoreboard but symbolized the unwavering spirit and determination of Indian athletes.

Highlighting this unparalleled accomplishment, SAI Media posted on X, "AND THAT IS MEDAL 100 for India!!! HISTORY IS MADE AS INDIA GETS ITS 100 MEDAL AT THE ASIAN GAMES 2023! This is a testament to the power of dreams, dedication, and teamwork of our athletes involved in the achievement of #TEAMINDIA! Let this achievement inspire generations to come - showing that with hard work and passion, anything is possible!"

As the entire nation revels in this monumental success, it serves as a shining example of what dedication, teamwork, and an undying spirit can achieve. With this victory, India not only celebrates a numerical milestone but also the indomitable spirit of its athletes who have worked tirelessly to elevate the country's name on the global stage.

PM Modi Lauds Athletes; Sets Date for Special Interaction with Asian Games Contingent

As India basks in the afterglow of its record-breaking performance at the Asian Games 2023, the nation's pride and joy was further amplified by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's words of praise and encouragement. Addressing the nation and its triumphant athletes via X, PM Modi paid tribute to their relentless hard work, perseverance, and sheer determination.

In his heartfelt message, he proclaimed, “A momentous achievement for India at the Asian Games! The people of India are thrilled that we have reached a remarkable milestone of 100 medals." The Prime Minister went on to emphasize the significance of this unprecedented feat, noting how every stellar performance has etched a permanent mark in history and uplifted the spirits of an entire nation.

In a special gesture showcasing the government's appreciation and recognition of the athletes' efforts, PM Modi announced an exclusive interaction with the Asian Games stars. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our phenomenal athletes whose efforts have led to this historic milestone for India... I look forward to hosting our Asian Games contingent on the 10th and interacting with our athletes,” he revealed in his post on X.

With the Prime Minister's acknowledgment and upcoming interaction, the athletes' achievements have indeed been placed on a national pedestal. The entire country eagerly awaits this rendezvous, as it is set to be a testament to the deep bond and shared dreams between India's leadership and its sporting heroes.

Triumphing at the Asian Games is no small feat, and for Jyothi Surekha Vennam, it's a dream realized thrice over. As India basks in the unparalleled joy of hitting the 100-medal mark, Jyothi's voice joined the chorus of jubilation and gratitude.

Reflecting on her journey and the precision of her performance, Jyothi remarked, “I am very happy that I was able to do what I had thought about how the shooting process should be, and I was able to get satisfaction from it." The elation was palpable as she continued, "I am also happy that I was able to win three gold medals."

But as with all champions, the road to gold is never tread alone. Expressing gratitude, Jyothi said, “I am thankful to the people who encouraged and supported me through my journey. I am happy that India has done very well.” Such a stellar performance is indeed a collective effort, with the government playing a pivotal role in supporting and fostering the talent of athletes like Jyothi.

She didn't miss the opportunity to shine a light on her fellow medalists, as she extended her hearty congratulations to them. Recognizing the monumental role of the Indian government in their victories, she expressed, “I would like to thank the government because, without their support, it would not have been possible.”

In conversations with ANI, Jyothi's pride in her nation and her peers was evident. Her story, like many others from this Asian Games contingent, is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the unwavering spirit of Indian sportspersons.

Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, took to Twitter to commend this monumental feat. "Achievements in sport showcases New India’s growing aspirations and its ‘Kaise Nahi Hoga’ attitude," he said in a tweet. @DrSJaishankar continued, emphasizing how this record-breaking performance is the latest embodiment of India's unstoppable spirit.

The phrase "Kaise Nahi Hoga", translating to "How will it not be possible?", aptly captures the essence of India's newfound dynamism and resilience. It reflects an India that dares to dream big and has the tenacity to turn those dreams into reality.

"The record-breaking 100 medals in these Asian Games is its latest expression," Jaishankar highlighted. He concluded by extending his hearty congratulations to the entire Indian contingent. "Their victories are a huge inspiration for the entire nation," he affirmed.

Dream Run Continues: Ojas Deotale's Golden Hat-trick and India's Ascent to Glory

As the reverberations of India's momentous accomplishment of 100 medals continue, star athlete Ojas Deotale shares his elation and disbelief at the turn of events. Not only did India touch this significant milestone, but Deotale himself also exceeded his own expectations.

Speaking of his journey at the Asian Games, Deotale exclaimed, “I had come with the motive to win one gold medal for India, but after winning three gold medals, it feels as if I am in a dream.” His humility shone through as he acknowledged the collective effort and the significance of the feat. "100 (medals) is a big number for India. It feels proud that India is growing… The Indian government, coaches, my parents, and all the supporting staff are behind this gold medal.”

Echoing Deotale's sentiment, the ever-gracious Jyothi Surekha Vennam, in her conversation with ANI, reemphasized her joy at India's landmark achievement. "I am very happy; this time India did great; there are more medals to come," Vennam stated optimistically. Ever the sportsperson, she added, “I congratulate all the athletes who won the medal and those who lost. I would like to wish them all the best for next time."

Her words underline the spirit of camaraderie and resilience that defines every athlete, regardless of the outcome of their specific events. Reinforcing the role of the support systems in place, Vennam expressed her gratitude, stating, "I would thank the government of India; without them, this would not have been possible."

The curtain may be drawing to a close at the Asian Games 2023, but India's remarkable performance will be etched in history. Currently standing at number 4 in the medal tally, with a total of 25 gold, 35 silver, and 40 bronze medals, the nation looks forward with anticipation and pride to future sporting events.

The 19th Asian Games has been an arena of dreams, passion, and unyielding spirit for India. Surpassing milestones and creating history, the athletes have demonstrated the power of dedication, dreams, and teamwork. As Prime Minister Modi rightly pointed out, their awe-inspiring performances have "filled our hearts with pride." As the Games come to an end, the nation stands tall, looking forward to many more such triumphant moments in the world of sports.

India's Unprecedented 100 Medals: A Triumph of Strategy and Planning

India, 10th October 2023 - Hitting a century in the Asian Games isn't just a matter of chance or pure talent; it's the culmination of meticulous planning, unwavering government support, and a vision for excellence. This year, India's historic achievement of bagging 100 medals is the fruit of dedication not just from the athletes but also from a system that stood firmly behind them.

Earlier this year, Anurag Thakur, speaking candidly to the media at an MOC meeting, had laid out an ambitious claim. "India will witness its best-ever medal tally in this year's Asian Games," he had asserted, underlining the government's substantial investment of Rs. 220 crores specifically earmarked for the games. He highlighted approvals for 142 international camps and 71 national ones, benefiting a whopping 2,100 athletes.

India's proactive approach this cycle is evident in the figures:

• Rs. 450 crores were invested in the current Olympic Cycle, ensuring our athletes had access to top-notch facilities ranging from coaching and equipment to national camps and foreign exposure.
• Rs. 45 crores approved for more than 350 group athlete proposals under the Ministry’s TOP Scheme, intensifying the training quality.
• Rs. 220 crores sanctioned this year alone, laser-focused on the Asian Games 2023.
• 142 foreign exposures and 71 National Coaching Camps have benefited over 2,100 athletes, arming them for the Asian Games 2023.

What's particularly heartening is the government's decision to support non-mainstream sports like Kurash, Jujutsu, and Chess, broadening India's sporting horizon. Anticipations are rife, with around 600 athletes slated to represent India, a significant leap from 570 in 2018 and 541 in 2014.

Furthermore, meticulous selection trials for over half of the Asian Games disciplines have already been executed, with the remaining set to conclude by June 30th, comfortably before the OCA deadline of July 15th.

Besides athlete support, the government has also restructured the TOPS Scheme's operational side, upgrading the salary packages by roughly 35% to lure the crème de la crème of talent. This holistic approach emphasizes the confluence of vision, dedication, and strategy, making this year's monumental success far from fortuitous. It's the reflection of a nation that dreams big and plans even bigger.

Here's the full list of 100 medals achieved by India: