Prime Minister Narendra Modi Meets Indian Olympic Contingent on Independence Day
PM Modi met with the Indian Olympic contingent at his residence on Independence Day. (Image: Screengrab)
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Indian Olympic contingent at his residence on India’s 78th Independence Day.
On India’s 78th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Olympic contingent that had taken part in the recently concluded Paris Olympic Games 2024.
The Prime Minister hailed the performances of the Indian athletes particularly the Indian Men’s Hockey Team, double-bronze-medalist Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh and Aman Sehrawat among many others for their stellar show at the quadrennial event.
During the meeting that took place at his residence, PM was gifted an Indian Olympic jersey which had the signatures of all the Indian Hockey Team members along with a special hockey stick. Manu Bhaker who stole the show at the Parisian Games with her marksmanship also gifted the Prime Minister with a specially designed air pistol as well. Indian wrestler, Aman Sehrawat also gave a signed jersey to the PM as too.
It was a delight to interact with the Indian contingent that represented our nation in the Paris Olympics. Heard their experiences from the games and lauded their feats on the sports field. pic.twitter.com/e0NmcbULYD— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2024
India ended at 71st position with one silver and five bronze medals after a total of 117 Indian athletes participated across 16 sports at the Paris Games – archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, equestrian, golf, hockey, judo, rowing, sailing, shooting, swimming, wrestling, table tennis, and tennis.
The silver medallist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is yet to return home as he has headed to Germany after the Paris Games to consult a doctor for his groin injury and possible participation in the Diamond League Meetings in Europe.
Every player who went to Paris is a champion. The Government of India will continue to support sports and ensure that a top-quality sporting infrastructure is built. pic.twitter.com/WhgID22Bps— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2024
PM Modi addressed the members of the Indian contingent and also interacted with some of them including shuttler Lakshya Sen.
Tokyo Olympics medallists Lovlina Borgohain (boxing) and Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (weightlifting) were also among the Paris Games participants who met the PM.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha were also present.
Earlier in the day, the members of the Indian contingent were present at the historic Red Fort where Modi addressed the nation on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day.
The Prime Minister in his address to the nation from the Red Fort, had also revealed that preparations are underway for the country to host their very first Olympics in 2036.
“It is the dream of India to host the 2036 Olympics, we are making preparations for that,” Modi said in his address to the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day.
The PM also extended his wishes to the Indian contingent that will take part in the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8 in Paris.
“In the next few days, a huge Indian contingent will leave for Paris to participate in the Paralympics. I extend best wishes to all our Paralympians,” he added.
In the Tokyo Paralympics, India had won 19 medals – five gold, eight silver and six bronze. This time, the nation will be represented by 84 para-athletes in the Games.
(with PTI Inputs)
