India cracked the 85‑medal mark in a blitz of victories, with 21 golds lighting up the tally. The results came after a day of celebrations at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the gold‑winning teams.
The spotlight fell on Harmanpreet Kaur, who led the women's cricket squad to its second‑consecutive gold. Kaur’s 157 off 112 balls was a masterclass in patience and power, turning a tight chase into a comfortable finish. Smriti Mandhana, the new skipper, posed with the jersey and shared a grin that said it was all about teamwork.
Women’s hockey broke a 44‑year drought, with the squad netting gold after a 4‑2 win over Japan. The final was a nail‑biter, the scoreline echoing the historic moment. “It’s a long‑awaited triumph,” said the captain, her eyes gleaming as she lifted the trophy.
Archery added five golds to the tally, a feat that included a 17‑year‑old Kumkum Mohod’s signature bow presented to Modi. The archers’ precision was a testament to India’s growing prowess in precision sports, a field where the country had previously been clueless.
Other highlights: five golds in kabaddi, a bronze in weightlifting after a 28‑year wait, and a first‑ever marathon medal since 1982. Shooting and boxing added to the medal spread, turning the Games into a showcase of depth.
Modi’s address celebrated the collective effort: “Your success is not just yours but belongs to crores of our countrymen.” The Prime Minister’s words echoed across the stadium, amplified by the roar of the crowd.
With the Games entering their final week, India’s focus shifts to the remaining sports. The next challenge? Securing more golds in athletics and gymnastics before the closing ceremony in a week.