‘Jo khelega, woh khilega’ | PM Modi meets India’s CWG 2026 medal winners at residence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday met India’s medal winners from the 2026 Commonwealth Games at his residence in New Delhi and congratulated them for their performances at the recently concluded Glasgow Games. During the interaction, Modi praised the athletes for their achievements and reiterated his message encouraging greater participation in sports, saying, “Jo khelega, woh khilega” — those who play will flourish. He also urged people to “Always cheer for Bharat.”

PM Modi interacts with medal winners

Modi interacted with members of the Indian contingent and celebrated their achievements at the Games, where India finished fourth in the overall medal standings. The Prime Minister also shared a video of his interaction with the athletes on social media with the message “Always #Cheer4Bharat.” In the video, gold medal-winning boxer Sakshi Chaudhary spoke about the athletes’ experience of meeting Modi and said they felt proud to have been invited by the Prime Minister.

‘Jo khelega, woh khilega’

During a light-hearted interaction captured on video, Chaudhary asked Modi if he would like to say something. “Jo khelega, woh khilega. Always cheer for Bharat,” Modi responded, before joining the athletes in chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai”. The phrase has been repeatedly used by Modi while advocating greater sporting participation and encouraging young people to take up sports.

India bags 39 medals in Glasgow

India concluded its Commonwealth Games campaign with 39 medals — 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze — to finish fourth in the overall standings. The performance came despite several traditionally strong disciplines for India, including wrestling, badminton, table tennis, hockey and shooting, being absent from the reduced Glasgow programme. Boxing emerged as India’s biggest medal contributor, delivering 10 medals, including seven golds. Weightlifting produced eight medals, while Indian athletes also delivered notable performances in judo, athletics and para events.

Modi praises athletes’ determination

Modi had earlier congratulated the Indian contingent after the conclusion of the Games, saying the athletes had demonstrated “exceptional skill, determination and dedication”. He said their hard work would inspire youngsters across the country and wished the contingent success in future competitions.

Focus shifts to Ahmedabad 2030

The conclusion of the Glasgow Games also shifts attention towards the next Commonwealth Games, with Ahmedabad set to host the centenary edition in 2030. Scotland handed over the Commonwealth Games flag and ceremonial baton to India, marking the formal transition towards the next edition. India’s 2026 performance provides a strong platform as the country begins preparations to host the multi-sport event four years from now.