Picture Credit: Twitter
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian contingent for their outstanding performance at the FISU World University Games 2023, which concluded on Sunday in Chengdu, the People’s Republic of China. India finished seventh in the overall medal tally with the best record in their history with 26 medals, consisting of 11 gold, five silver, and 10 bronze medals.
PM Modi took to Twitter to express his pride and appreciation for the Indian athletes, who showcased their talent and skills in various disciplines. He also posted a collage of all the medal winners, including their events.
"A sporting performance that will make every Indian proud! At the 31st World University Games, Indian athletes return with a record-breaking haul of 26 medals! Our best performance ever, it includes 11 Golds, 5 Silvers, and 10 Bronzes. A salute to our incredible athletes who have brought glory to the nation and inspired upcoming sportspersons," Indian PM tweeted.
He further wished their parents, coaches well and highlighted that India has won only 18 medals in the World University Games since its debut in 1959 until this year.
He wrote, “What is specially gladdening is that India had won a total of 18 medals in the World University Games since its debut in 1959, until now. Thus, this year's exemplary result of 26 medals is truly remarkable. The stellar performance is a testament to our athletes' unwavering dedication. I compliment the athletes, their families, and coaches for this success and wish them the very best for their upcoming endeavors.”
The World University Games, also known as the Universiade, is a biennial multi-sport event for university students from around the world. The 31st edition of the event was held from July 28 to August 8 in Chengdu, where more than 230 Indian athletes participated in 11 sports.
India's shooting contingent was the most successful, winning 14 medals - eight gold, four silver, and two bronze. Rifle shooter Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, a Tokyo Olympian, was the most decorated Indian athlete with four medals, including two individual golds.
Indian archers also impressed with seven medals, including three golds. Avneet Kaur and Sangampreet Singh Bisla won individual gold medals in the women and men’s compound events, respectively. Aman Saini and Pragati combined to win a gold medal in the mixed compound team event.
India also won four bronze medals in athletics, with Jyothi Yarraji setting a new national record in the women’s 100m hurdles. Amlan Borgohain (men’s 200m), Bhavani Yadav (women's long jump), and Priyanka Goswami (women's 20km race walk team) were the other medal winners in athletics. Additionally, Yamini Mourya's bronze in the women's 57kg division at the World University Games gave India its first-ever judo medal.
Hosts China topped the medal table with 178 medals, including 103 golds. Japan finished second with 21 gold medals out of a total of 93 and the Republic of Korea finished third with 17 golds out of a total of 58.
