Tokyo Olympics, Jul 13 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday interacted with the Indian athletes’ contingent bound for Tokyo Olympics. The interaction by the Prime Minister was an endeavour to motivate the athletes ahead of their participation at the games.
In an informal interaction, the Prime Minister motivated the athletes and thanked their families for their sacrifice. Talking to Deepika Kumari (Archery), the PM congratulated her for the Gold in the World Championship. He mentioned that her journey began with plucking mangoes through archery and enquired about her journey as a sportsperson.
The Prime Minister lauded Pravin Jadhav (Archery) for staying on the path despite difficult circumstances. He also interacted with his family and praised their efforts.
Modi lauded boxer Mary Kom for being a role model for many athletes. He also enquired how she was able to take care of her family and continue with her sport especially during the pandemic. He asked about her favourite punch and her favourite player.
With shuttler PV Sindhu, the Prime Minister enquired about her practice in Gachibowli, Hyderabad. He also asked the importance of diet in her training.
The Prime Minister asked her parents for advice and tips they want to give to parents who want to make their children a sportsperson. Wishing the athlete success in the Olympics, PM Modi said that he too will have ice cream with her when he will welcome the athletes on their return.
Speaking to Saina Mirza, the Prime Minister talked about the increasing popularity of tennis sport and asked the senior player for her advice to the new aspirants. He also enquired about her equation with her partner in Tennis.
He asked about the change she witnessed in sports during the last 5-6 years.
Sania Mirza said that India is witnessing a self belief in recent years and that will reflect in the performance.
PM Modi noted common traits among the athletes i.e. Bold, Confident and Positive. He said that all the athletes have common factors of Discipline, Dedication and Determination. “Both commitment and competitiveness in the sportspersons. The same qualities are found in New India. Athletes reflect the New India and symbolizes the nation’s future,” he said.
During the interaction, PM Modi asked wrestler Vinesh Phogat how she copes up with high expectations due to her family legacy. He also talked to her father and asked about the ways of grooming such illustrious daughters.
Talking to hockey player Manpreet Singh, the PM said that interacting with him reminded him of hockey legends like Major Dhyan Chand. He expressed the hope that his team will keep the legacy alive.
The Prime Minister said that he was optimistic that the day was not far when only victory will become New India’s habit. He advised players to give their best and asked the countrymen to “Cheer4India”
The Prime Minister recently reviewed the preparations for facilitation of India’s contingent at Tokyo. He had also discussed the inspirational journeys of some of the athletes on Mann Ki Baat, besides urging the nation to come forward and wholeheartedly support them.
Today’s event was attended by Anurag Thakur, Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports; Nisith Pramanik, MoS Youth Affairs and Sports and Shri Kiren Rijiju, Law Minister.
During the interaction, Anurag Thakur thanked every official including coaching staff and support staff for doing hard work with our athletes. “Sports Ministry hasn’t left any stone unturned to support athletes. From TOPS to various other programs, we’ve supported our athletes,” Thakur said.
The minister said that from 22 States, 126 athletes will represent 130-crore Indians in 18 sports disciplines in Tokyo Olympics. “I feel that under your (PM) leadership, our players will be able to give their best in the Tokyo Olympics,” he said.
