New Delhi, November 2, 2025:
The Global Trade & Technology Council (India) hosted a special felicitation ceremony at Radisson Blu Marina, New Delhi, to honour Padma Shri Yogeshwar Dutt, the Chef de Mission of the Indian Contingent to the Asian Youth Games 2025, Bahrain, for leading India to its best-ever performance in the history of the Games.
This special evening was organised as a joint initiative of GTTCI and its valued partners — Investors Clinic, Yogeshwar Dutt Wrestling Academy, Kokand University (Andijan Branch), and 7Saber — to celebrate India’s outstanding achievements and promote sports diplomacy on a global platform.
Under his remarkable leadership, the Indian contingent delivered an exceptional performance, securing a total of 48 medals — 13 Gold, 18 Silver, and 17 Bronze — marking a new milestone in India’s youth sporting achievements.
Dr. Rashmi Saluja, Chairperson of GTTCI, extended heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Dutt for his exemplary leadership and commended the athletes for their outstanding performances. She expressed her gratitude to H.E. Mr. Abdulrahman Mohammad Al-Qoud, Ambassador of Bahrain to India, for his best wishes to the Indian contingent prior to their departure and congratulated him for Bahrain’s successful hosting of the Games. Dr. Saluja also congratulated H.E. Mr. Sardor M. Rustambaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan, for his country’s extraordinary achievement in securing the second position overall and on being selected as the host of the 2029 Asian Youth Games in Tashkent.
Padma Shri Yogeshwar Dutt, in his address, expressed his deep appreciation to both Ambassadors, praising Bahrain’s gracious hospitality and flawless organization. He remarked that “Bahrain was even more beautiful than described, and the Games were conducted with utmost excellence.” Commending the promising performance of the Uzbek contingent, he expressed confidence that Tashkent will serve as an outstanding host in 2029. Mr. Dutt spoke passionately about the true spirit of sportsmanship and shared that his Yogeshwar Dutt Wrestling Academy continues to train young athletes to “always aim for gold.”
The Ambassador of Bahrain, H.E. Mr. Abdulrahman Mohammad Al-Qoud, lauded Mr. Dutt’s leadership and appreciated GTTCI’s efforts in honouring the spirit of sportsmanship. The Ambassador of Uzbekistan, H.E. Mr. Sardor M. Rustambaev, commended GTTCI and Mr. Dutt for their efforts in promoting sports, diplomacy, and the sports business ecosystem between nations.
Dr. Ashwani Mehta highlighted the stellar performance of Indian wrestlers, noting that out of 13 Gold medals, 6 were won in wrestling, with Indian wrestlers earning a total of 12 medals, underscoring the immense contribution of Yogeshwar Dutt’s academy to India’s success.
On the sidelines of the Asian Youth Games, Dr. Rashmi Saluja, Chairperson of GTTCI, engaged in several meaningful diplomatic interactions during the Games. She congratulated Mr. Umarov Otabek Muhammadaliyevich, First Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan and Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia, along with the entire Uzbekistan contingent, for their exceptional performance and extended best wishes for their upcoming role as hosts of the Asian Youth Games 2029. Dr. Saluja also held an insightful discussion with Mr. Umarov and Mr. Oybek Kasimov, General Secretary of the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan, exploring opportunities for collaboration in sports diplomacy, talent exchange, and joint development programs between India and Uzbekistan.
Additionally, Dr. Saluja held an engaging and constructive exchange with The Hon. Timothy Fok Tsun Ting, GBM, GBS, JP, Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia (East Asia), President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, and a distinguished member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Their discussion centered on advancing sports promotion, youth development initiatives, and institutional partnerships to strengthen cooperation and sporting excellence across Asia.
Dr. Gaurav Gupta, Founder President of GTTCI, extended his appreciation to all dignitaries and congratulated Mr. Yogeshwar Dutt on his leadership and contributions to Indian sports.
The evening was also graced by Dr. Ajay Swaroop (Chairman, Board of Management, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital), renowned film producer & director Mr. Boney Kapoor, Mr. Honeyy Katiyal (Founder, Investors Clinic), Advocate Sapna Chauhan, and Mr. Shahid (Editor, India Monitor), who joined in congratulating Mr. Dutt on his extraordinary achievement.
The event reflected GTTCI’s enduring commitment to fostering sports diplomacy, youth empowerment, and international cooperation through the power of sports, celebrating India’s growing stature in global athletics and cultural engagement.
