Interaction of Hon’ble Prime Minister with Tokyo Olympic Bound Athletes on 13th July, 2021

The Hon'ble Prime Minister interacted with Tokyo Olympic Bound Athletes on Tuesday, 13th July 2021 at 5 PM to motivate the athletes participating in the event in the presence of Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Thakur; Minister of Law and Justice, Shri Kiren Rijiju and other officials. The virtual interaction witnessed the participation of over 100 students from the University of Delhi colleges.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister interacted with the athletes and officials who are going to represent India in the Tokyo Olympic Games. He wished them success in their endeavor to bring Olympics medal glory to the nation during the informal virtual interaction. PM Modi hailed the athletes’ commitment and competitiveness which symbolized country’s promising sporting future. While addressing the athletes, PM Modi regretted the fact that he couldn’t host the athletes due to the pandemic. He remarked that that the pandemic has changed their practice regimen and even the year of the Olympics. He expressed his hope to meet them all in person and celebrate the occasion with them. PM Modi remarked that this generation is “bold, confident and positive” which reflect the aspirations of ‘New India’. He assured the sportspersons that the entire nation was standing behind each one of them. The blessings and wishes of all the countrymen were with the Tokyo-bound athletes. PM also acknowledged the popularity of the #Cheer4India campaign.

During the virtual session, the PM interacted with athletes Deepika Kumari (Archery), Pravin Jhadav (Archery), Neeraj Chopra (Javelin), Duttee Chand (Sprint), Ashish Kumar (Boxing), Mary Kom (Boxing), PV Sindhu (Badminton), Elavenil Valarivan (shooting), Saurabh Chaudhary (Shooting), Sharath Kamal (Table Tennis), Manika Batra (Table Tennis), Vinesh Phogat (Wrestling), Sajan Prakash (Swimming), Manpreet Singh (Hockey) and Sania Mirza (Tennis). The Prime Minister was aware of the personal journeys of each and every sportsperson. He recalled the difficult circumstances of some of the athletes and saluted their hard work, discipline, dedication and determination.

The Prime Minister apart from interacting with the athletes also talked to the families of the athletes. He asked the athletes to make their family and nation proud by their achievements. With international exposure, best possible equipment and initiatives like ‘Khelo India' and 'Fit India' this Olympics has witnessed the largest number of contingents from India. The Prime Minister concluded his interaction with the words that at no point they should feel the pressure as the nation believes in them. He hoped that they will achieve new heights and bring glory to India.