Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s smile during PM Modi’s Asian Games address in Delhi goes viral

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s smile during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to Indian athletes in Delhi on Thursday, October 15, 2026, was captured on camera and quickly circulated on social media. The reaction drew attention during the ceremony at which Modi congratulated the country’s Asian Games competitors.

India delivered a strong overall showing at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi–Nagoya, with athletes across multiple sports winning medals. The Indian men’s cricket team secured the gold medal, and several younger competitors also produced notable performances at the Games.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi attended the Delhi event and was filmed smiling as Modi spoke about the contributions of young athletes. Modi did not name Sooryavanshi specifically, but the player’s visible reaction was widely shared online and became the subject of commentary and clips.

A social media post accompanying one widely seen clip read: "🔴VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI REACTION WHEN PM MODI PRAISED HIM 😅– The entire Team India started teasing Vaibhav after PM Modi praised him. 😭 pic.twitter.com/qUj7jT8o5p". Teammates’ teasing is referenced in that post alongside the footage of Sooryavanshi’s smile.

During his remarks, Modi spoke about the youngest cohort of performers at the Games and praised their impact on the nation, saying: "This time in the Asian Games, there were many players on Team India whose age was only 15 to 17 years. At such a young age, these players have enhanced the pride of the country with their spectacular performances. They have won the hearts of the countrymen." He added that providing the right support and opportunities allows young players to perform well and discussed aid for children seeking sporting careers, saying the government is focusing on children between 5 to 15 years old to help improve their skills.

Modi also outlined a development pathway for emerging athletes, stating: "In the coming years, thousands of new players will get opportunities to advance through Khelo India and Emerging Khelo India."

Sooryavanshi was one of the athletes present at the Delhi gathering and was part of India’s gold-medal-winning men’s cricket team at the Asian Games.