Services Asian Games medallists were felicitated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Monday, after athletes from the Army, Navy and Air Force won 27 medals at the recently concluded Games in Japan. The haul of six gold, 11 silver and 10 bronze is the Services' best-ever showing at the Asian Games, the Ministry of Defence said.

A total of 92 Services athletes competed in 19 disciplines. India finished fourth overall.

Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi attended the event. Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth and other senior officials were also present.

Services Asian Games medallists bring home 32 percent of India's tally

India's contingent won 85 medals in Aichi-Nagoya, 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze. The Services' 27 make up around 32 percent of that total. Their six gold medals account for 28.57 percent of India's golds, the ministry said.

Army athletes trained under the Mission Olympics Wing won 20 of these medals, including all six golds, by the Indian Army's count at the close of the Games.

Rajnath Singh credits discipline and team spirit for the medals

The Defence Minister attributed the athletes' success to discipline, hard work, team spirit and sporting excellence. A medal, he said, comes only after early-morning training, gym sessions, injuries and recovery, all while balancing unit duties with sports preparation and staying away from family for long stretches.

He also spoke to those who competed but did not win. True defeat lies only in giving up, he told them.

Every participant, Rajnath Singh said, had brought honour to the country and the Defence Forces in one way or another. He expressed confidence that the achievements of Services athletes would inspire future generations.

He credited the Mission Olympics Wing with spotting talent, giving athletes scientific training and world-class facilities, and preparing them for international events. He also thanked coaches, support staff, physiotherapists, nutritionists and the athletes' families. A champion, he said, is never made in isolation.

The Defence Forces have consistently produced athletes known for discipline, patience and leadership as much as physical strength, the Defence Minister said.

Rajnath Singh reiterated the government's commitment to building India's sporting ecosystem through better infrastructure, modern facilities and more opportunities. The aim is to make India a leading sporting power, he said.

Los Angeles 2028 Olympics named as the next target

The Defence Minister called for a focused and systematic approach towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He urged trainers and support staff to keep guiding athletes with dedication and professionalism, and asked the athletes to set higher goals and deliver an even better performance in Los Angeles.

The Asian Games results come two months after the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where Army and Navy athletes won 18 medals, eight of them gold.

Four Services athletes set new marks for India in Japan

Several of the 27 medals came with national firsts.

Naib Subedar Neeru Dhanda wins individual trap gold

Naib Subedar Neeru Dhanda won two gold and one silver. Her win in the individual Women's Trap made her the first Indian woman to take gold in the event at the Asian Games.

Naib Subedar Gulveer Singh won two silver and a bronze. No Indian man had won three individual track-and-field medals at one edition of the Games before him.

Havildar Sawan Barwal took silver in the men's marathon. His time of 2:11:37 is a new national record, and the medal ended India's 44-year wait for a podium finish in the Asian Games marathon.

Naib Subedar Sarvesh Kushare won silver in the men's high jump. It was India's first medal in the event in 56 years.

Among the other Services Asian Games medallists, Havildar Kamaljeet won the 10m air pistol mixed team gold with Suruchi Singh, scoring 484.6. Havildar Devank, Havildar Rahul and Havildar Ankit were part of the men's kabaddi team that beat Iran 40-34 in the final to win gold.