General Dhiraj Seth Felicitates Indian Army Asian Games 2026 Medal Winners in New Delhi
Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth on Monday felicitated the Indian Army contingent that competed at the 20th Asian Games 2026 at a ceremony held at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. The event honoured Army sportspersons for their performances at the continental games and recognised the role they played in bringing distinction to the force and the country.
The ceremony was held under the theme “Jai Se Vijay – Vijay Se Vijeta,” and focused on the dedication, discipline and determination shown by Indian Army athletes in international competition. According to the Army, the gathering was intended both as a celebration of their achievements and as an opportunity to engage with the sportspersons on the support they require to perform at the highest level.
Addressing the contingent, General Seth drew a comparison between the mindset of a soldier and that of a champion athlete, stressing the value of perseverance, resilience, hard work and a sustained commitment to excellence. He said those qualities were evident in the way the Army athletes represented India on the global sporting stage.
The Army Chief also highlighted the contingent’s improved medal haul. The Indian Army’s tally rose from 16 medals at the Commonwealth Games 2026 to 20 medals at the Asian Games 2026. He described the increase as a sign of the athletes’ commitment and an indication of the growing strength of the Army’s sporting ecosystem.
General Seth acknowledged the contribution of the Indian Army’s Mission Olympics Wing, which has been tasked with identifying, nurturing and supporting sporting talent within the force. The initiative is designed to provide athletes with specialised training and the preparation needed for major international competitions.
During the interaction, the COAS personally asked the athletes for feedback on areas where further improvements could be made to strengthen preparation, training facilities and overall sporting performance. The exchange, the Army said, was aimed at helping the institution refine the support it provides to athletes preparing for elite-level competition.
General Seth encouraged the sportspersons to keep pushing their limits and to seek even greater achievements by embracing the spirit of the “Sporting Yoddha” and the philosophy of “Jai Se Vijay.” He urged them to continue carrying that mindset into future competitions.
Looking ahead to the next Olympic cycle, the Army Chief said he was confident Indian Army athletes would perform even better at the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. He asked them to preserve their competitive spirit and continue working towards bringing greater sporting glory to India.
The ceremony also reflected the Army’s broader focus on sporting excellence alongside its primary responsibility of national security. Through initiatives such as the Mission Olympics Wing, the force continues to support athletes aiming to represent India at the highest levels of international sport.
The Asian Games 2026 achievements of the Army contingent, the force said, reflect the values of physical fitness, discipline, teamwork and excellence that remain central both to military service and competitive sport.
