SAI felicitates Asian Games medallists and their coaches in Kolkata

Hyderabad: The Sports Authority of India (SAI), Kolkata, felicitated archers Sahil Rajesh Jadhav and Kirti Sharma for their gold-medal-winning performances at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Rower Satnam Singh was also felicitated for winning bronze in the men’s double sculls event.

Their coaches Haresh Kumar, Udham Singh and Inderpal Singh were also present on the occasion. Haresh Kumar coaches Sahil at SAI’s National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Kolkata, while Udham Singh coaches Kirti at SAI’s Sports Training Centre (STC) in Hazaribagh.

Arjuna Awardee Inderpal Singh, a coach at SAI Jagatpur, guides Satnam.

Sahil thanked his coach, Haresh Kumar, and acknowledged SAI’s role in his success.

“I want to thank my coaches at SAI for their guidance. It is important to stay grounded and continue to work hard after achieving success,” he said.

Satnam recounted the hard work and mental challenges he faced before winning what the organisers described as India’s first-ever Asian Games medal in the men’s double sculls event.

“I was confident of winning a medal in the men’s quadruple sculls. But at the last moment, I was told to compete in the double sculls. I was not confident initially, but was determined to give my best,” he said.

“We had never won a medal in that event earlier. Now that me and my partner Salman Khan have removed that psychological barrier, it has opened the road for more medals in the double sculls in the future,” he added.

SAI NCOE Regional Director Sibananda Mishra praised the athletes and their coaches for making India proud on the international stage.

“The achievements of Sahil Rajesh Jadhav, Kirti Sharma and Satnam Singh are a matter of immense pride for the country. Their performances at the Asian Games 2026 reflect the dedication, perseverance and competitive spirit that define Indian sport. SAI congratulates the athletes and their support teams and wishes them continued success in their future endeavours,” he said.

Sahil won two gold medals in archery, emerging champion in the men’s compound team and mixed compound team events. Kirti was part of the team that won gold in the women’s recurve event.

Sahil also secured a quota spot for India in the mixed compound event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, marking a significant milestone in the country’s preparations for the Summer Olympics.

Satnam’s bronze-medal-winning performance in the men’s double sculls further highlighted India’s presence in Asian rowing. His achievement was hailed as a testament to the discipline, resilience and hard work required to excel in the physically demanding sport.