New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met with the athletes, who participated in the Asian Games in China’s Hangzhou province and won laurels for the nation.
PM Modi congratulated the entire Indian contingent including the medal winners & participants and said that the nation was in celebratory mode because of their sporting exploits in the recently concluded Asiad.
PM Modi also hailed India’s biggest medal haul in the Asian Games till date and said that this was proof of nation’s march on the right path. Making a special mention of young medalists, he said that that this was a positive sign of India emerging as a sporting nation.
VIDEO | “I welcome all of you (athletes) on behalf of 140 crore Indians. Because of your hard work and achievements, there is an atmosphere of celebration across the country,” says PM Modi during interaction with contingent of Indian Athletes who participated in the Asian Games.… pic.twitter.com/Jy1XOwS1Sn
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 10, 2023
The Indian contingent including athletes, wrestlers & shooters were all praise for their felicitation by Prime Minister himself. All of them welcomed PM Modi’s gesture and said that his ‘guardian’ avatar was pushing budding sportspersons to win medals and was also leading to new sporting culture in the country.
Sportspersons’ 1st reaction
Abhishek Verma, the silver medalist in Men’s compound archery said that despite our big numbers, PM Modi was aware of everyone’s feat & achievements.
“Like a true parent/guardian, PM mentioned our achievements, lauded us and also gave ‘success tips’,” he said.
Aarathy Kasturi Raj, who secured bronze medal in Asian Games despite injury, called it a heartwarming session.
She said that Prime Minister dedicating time for us gave us more power and lifted our spirits. This has energized us to perform better and bring more medals in ensuing games.
Shooter Manu Bhaker won gold for India in 2023 edition of Asian Games. She said that it was a fantastic experience to get felicitated by the top leader of country and getting encouraged & motivated with his inspiring words.
India’s star javelin throw player Neeraj Chopra was all praise for Prime Minister for latter’s drive & effort to inculcate new sporting culture among youth. He called the drive a transformational step and hoped that team will perform even better in Paris Olympics.
Prathamesh Jawkar, another medalist in Archery said that PM Modi’s words always cloud his mind & heart when he goes to play any international competition.
“After Uri attack, PM Modi said it is new India which not only resists oppression but also attacks the tormentors. Whenever I head to any competition, this feeling clouds my thoughts”, he said.
P R Sreejesh, the hockey goal-keeper said that the contingent was overwhelmed with support & assistance. He said that such felicitation gives us big motivation to move ahead with full force.
“It was really inspiring to see Prime Minister among us, his message to sportsperson lifted our spirits,” Divyakriti Singh, Equestrian medalist said.
Arjun Singh Cheema, one of the trio shooters who clinched gold for India, said “Khelo India program is yielding big results for the country, I am also a product of this initiative, this is going places in finding & nurturing new talent.”
Chirag Shetty, winning gold in Men’s doubles event, termed the incident wonderful and said that such interaction motivates the youngsters to dream big & give stellar performance.
Hriday Chheda, winning gold in Equestrian, said “PM Modi’s vision for the sports is laudable, it will take the country to much greater heights”
“I salute his vision and we hope that we live upto his expectations in all sporting events,” he added.
For the unversed, Team India bagged its largest ever medals in the Asian Games 2023, winning 28 gold medals, 38 silvers & 41 bronze medals.
