During his recent monthly radio broadcast, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended Indian athletes for their remarkable achievements in the latest edition of the World University Games held in China. India achieved its highest performance in the history of the games, securing the seventh position overall and winning an unprecedented total of 26 medals, including 11 gold, five silver, and 10 bronze medals.
The 31st edition of the World University Games took place in Chengdu from July 28 to August 8. Notably, prior to this event, India had only managed to secure 18 medals across all previous editions of the World University Games held since 1959.
Addressing the 104th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Modi shared, “Recently, the World University Games were hosted in China. This time, India showcased its best-ever performance in these games. Our athletes collectively earned 26 medals, out of which 11 were gold. It’s worth noting that even when adding up all the medals won in all the World University Games held since 1959, the total count only reaches 18.”
Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar emerged as the most accomplished Indian athlete in the World University Games, securing a total of four medals. Tomar’s achievements included gold medals in the men’s 10m air rifle and 50m rifle 3 positions events, as well as a gold medal as part of the men’s 10m air rifle team. Additionally, he clinched a bronze medal in the men’s 50m rifle three-position team event.
Manu Bhaker, a champion of the Youth Olympic Games, and Sift Kaur Samra also contributed significantly to India’s success by winning multiple gold medals. Manu Bhaker excelled in both the individual and team events of the women’s 10m air pistol category. Sift Kaur Samra mirrored Manu’s victory by securing gold medals in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions event.
Priyanka Goswami, who had previously won a silver medal in the 10,000m walk at both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Athletics Championships, achieved the highest position among all Indian participants in the event, finishing seventh. She completed the race in 1 hour, 40 minutes, and 39 seconds, which was just 12 seconds shy of her national record of 1 hour, 28 minutes, and 45 seconds set in 2021. Other notable Indian finishers included Pooja Kumawat (15th place, 1:45:30), Mansi Negi (16th place, 1:46:04), and Nikita Lamba (21st place, 1:50:11).
The upcoming edition of the World University Games is scheduled to be held in Germany in 2025.
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