SBI Asian Games 2026 Medal Winners: State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest bank, felicitated nine bank-supported athletes who collectively won 11 medals for India at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The achievement highlights SBI’s growing contribution to India’s sporting ecosystem through structured athlete development, financial assistance and world-class training support.
The felicitation ceremony was attended by Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) Founder and Director Parth Jindal, and other members of Central Board. The event celebrated the athletes’ achievements and recognised their contribution to bringing international recognition to Indian athletics.
Of the 22 SBI-supported athletes who competed as part of India’s 501-member contingent at the Games, nine secured a total of 11 medals, comprising one Gold, three Silver and seven Bronze. The athletes receive support through the Gearing for Olympic Dominance (GOLD) programme, implemented by and Foundation in partnership with the Inspire Institute of Sport.
SBI Chairman CS Setty Applauds Athletes, Highlights India’s Olympic Ambitions
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty said the athletes’ achievements were a moment of pride for the bank and the nation. He noted that their performances would inspire the next generation of sportspeople to pursue their ambitions and represent India on the international stage.
Setty also highlighted the importance of building a strong sporting ecosystem in the country, stating that SBI was contributing to the Government of India’s efforts to strengthen sports development.
He said the athletes’ success could provide momentum ahead of upcoming international competitions, including the Los Angeles Olympics, while encouraging young Indians to aim for excellence in sports.
Nine Athletes, 11 Medals: Meet the SBI-Supported Winners
The medal-winning athletes included Vithya Ramraj and Prachi Choudhary, members of the women’s 4×400-metre relay team, along with silver medallists Jay Kumar, Gulveer Singh, Vishal T K and Manu T S. The bronze medallists were Parul Chaudhary, Rohit Yadav and Rajesh Ramesh.
Their performances reflect the importance of sustained preparation, access to professional coaching and comprehensive athlete support in competing at the highest levels of international sport.
SBI Foundation Expands Support for Indian Athletics
SBI’s sports development efforts are being implemented through its corporate social responsibility arm, SBI Foundation, under the Gearing for Olympic Dominance programme, also referred to as ACE: GOLD.
In partnership with the Inspire Institute of Sport, the initiative supports more than 40 athletes across five track-and-field disciplines. Its objective is to help athletes prepare for major international competitions by addressing both sporting and personal development needs.
The programme provides comprehensive assistance, including professional training, diet and nutrition, accommodation, sports science support and a monthly stipend. This approach aims to help athletes concentrate on performance while receiving the resources needed for sustained development.
SBI Foundation Managing Director Swapan Dhar said the felicitation was an important occasion to celebrate Indian athletes who had made the country proud at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. He added that the Group was expanding its corporate social responsibility initiatives in sports to support athletes across disciplines and demographic backgrounds.
SBI Asian Games 2026 Medal Winners: Building a Stronger Sporting Ecosystem
SBI’s recognition of its medal winners reflects the increasing role of corporate institutions and CSR initiatives in supporting India’s sporting ambitions. Financial assistance, scientific training and access to professional facilities can help athletes prepare for international competitions and develop their potential over the long term.
Through its partnership with the Inspire Institute of Sport, SBI Foundation is seeking to create a more comprehensive support system for track-and-field athletes. The initiative also aligns with the broader objective of strengthening India’s performance at major international sporting events.
The success of the nine medal winners offers a significant moment of recognition for the athletes and the institutions supporting their journey. As India continues to invest in sporting talent, programmes such as ACE: GOLD can play an important role in helping athletes pursue excellence and compete on the global stage.
