PM Modi Calls Vinesh Phogat ‘Brave Daughter’, Interacts With Athletes Who Represented India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shared highlights from his interaction with the athletes, who represented the nation in the Paris Olympics 2024, on Independence Day.

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.

PM’s Candid moments

PM Modi engaged in a candid conversation with the athletes, and asked them about their hardships, favourite foods, and nicknames. The athletes told the PM that they did not use mobile phones throughout the event.

The athletes thanked the Centre’s support in arranging facilities. PM Modi said, “It’s good to see that the number of injuries have reduced. It means our players have gained expertise.”

When one of the wrestlers, Ritika Hooda, expressed sadness over her defeat, PM Modi boosted her morale. He said, “You are too young, you have a long way to go. Keep practicing.”

He called Vinesh Phogat, whose quest to win an Olympic medal came to an end for now in heartbreaking circumstances with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissing her plea for a joint silver, a “brave daughter”.

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.

PM Modi urged all ace sportspersons to encourage people to opt for sustainable development and organic farming.

ATTENDEES

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.

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.

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.