Prime Minister Narendra Modi Expresses Confidence in India's Olympic Contingent

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed his confidence that India’s Olympic-bound contingent will make the country proud and live up to the aspirations of 140 crore people.

India is set to send nearly 120 athletes to Paris with the hope of surpassing the Tokyo Games tally of seven medals, which included Neeraj Chopra’s historic gold in the javelin throw.

“Interacted with our contingent heading to Paris for the Olympics. I am confident our athletes will give their best and make India proud. Their life journeys and success give hope to 140 crore Indians,” the Prime Minister posted on ‘X’ after meeting a large contingent of Paris-bound athletes that included shooters, archers, track and field athletes, and support staff.

"Interacted with our contingent heading to Paris for the @Olympics. I am confident our athletes will give their best and make India proud. Their life journeys and success give hope to 140 crore Indians. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2024"

The contingent was accompanied by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse, and Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha.

The PM also shared images of him with the athletes and support staff, including notable figures like badminton coach Pullela Gopichand and shooting sport high-performance director Pierre Beauchamp, among others.

In a notable interaction, PM Modi engaged virtually with Neeraj Chopra, who aims to defend his crown in Paris, boxer Nikhat Zareen, and two-time Olympic medallist shuttler PV Sindhu.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister also extended a warm welcome to the Rohit Sharma-led side that recently won the T20 World Cup by defeating South Africa. The team arrived in Delhi early in the morning after being stranded in Bridgetown, Barbados due to a category 4 hurricane.

Modi mentioned that he had a memorable conversation with the members of the T20 World Cup-winning team, discussing their journey at the recently concluded ICC event in the USA and the Caribbean.

This gathering and the PM's words are a testament to the pride and hope that the nation places in its athletes, both in their endeavors at the Olympics and other international sports arenas. The support from the highest levels of government is a significant morale booster for the athletes as they prepare to compete on the world stage, embodying the spirit and aspirations of 140 crore Indians.