The recently concluded Asian Games 2018 held in Jakarta Palembang (Indonesia) saw massive wins for India. This year also saw a few firsts for the nation as Rahi Sarnobat became first Indian woman to win Asian Games gold in shooting and Vinesh Phogat became first Indian woman to win gold in wrestling, Ravi Kumar/Apurvi Chandela winning the first medal, India men’s hockey team.

The Chief of the Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat, extended heartiest congratulations on behalf of the Indian Army, to all its 66 sportsmen who participated as a part of the Indian contingent this year, which was conducted from 18th Aug to 2nd Sept.

In his message, he says, "Our special compliments to all the medal winners who have brought glory to the nation and the Indian Army. Those who could not reach the podium must continue to work harder and perform better in future events and competitions. These achievements have been possible due to hard work, dedication, grit and sincere commitment. You have done the nation proud. We compliment the sincere efforts of the 'Mission Olympic Programme', functioning under the aegis of Directorate General of Military training. Indian Army will continue to support the sportspersons to ensure sustained training and shall prepare them for the forthcoming international events before they launch themselves into the Olympics arena. Well done and keep the flag flying high as always. Dedication, hard work and perseverance is the road to success."

India’s final tally read 69 medals – 15 gold, 24 silver and 30 bronze to surpass the medal count from 2010 Games in Guangzhou, China and match the gold medal tally from the first-ever Asian Games in 1951. 

Coming to athletics, it has been the biggest contributor to medals tally, with track and field events contributing to 233 medals for India at Asian Games and in Indonesia, that tally moved to 240 with 7 golds, 10 silvers and 2 bronze medals, which is better than India's performance in the 2014 Asian games. Under archery, India bagged two silver medals, in compound archery, won by women's team participants,  comprising Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Muskan Kirar, and Madhumita Kumari. Moving on to badminton, PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal – secured a medal each in the individual event, making it the first time in Asian history that female shuttlers won medals in the individual event at the Games for India.

In other events like boxing, hockey, kabaddi, rowing, Indian sportsmen have more than one medal to their name, making it a year of glory for India, internationally.