Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to the Indian Olympic contingent at his official residence, 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, honoring their participation and achievements at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. The gathering was a heartfelt celebration of the athletes’ dedication and success on the international stage.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi expressed his deep admiration for the athletes, describing their accomplishments as a significant source of national pride. “It is an honour to have you all here,” Modi remarked, emphasizing how their achievements resonate with and inspire the youth of India. The Prime Minister highlighted the extraordinary performances of the athletes, celebrating their role in enhancing India’s global sports reputation.
A particular highlight of the meeting was Modi’s praise for veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, whom he lauded for his exceptional contributions to the team’s success. “PR Sreejesh proved why he is known as ‘The Wall’,” Modi said, acknowledging Sreejesh’s pivotal role in the games. The Prime Minister also celebrated the collective spirit of the athletes, noting that even those who fell short of medals demonstrated an unwavering commitment to achieving gold.
Among the athletes present were notable figures like wrestler Aman Sehrawat and shuttler Lakshya Sen. Sehrawat shared his experiences and the historic nature of his achievements, while Sen discussed the rigorous discipline maintained by the team, including restrictions on mobile phone usage to ensure peak performance.
The interaction was marked by an engaging and dynamic exchange between the athletes and the Prime Minister. The discussion was both inspirational and informal, with moments of humor and camaraderie that highlighted the strong connection between India’s sports community and its leaders.
A video of the event was shared on the Prime Minister’s official ‘X’ account, capturing the essence of the meeting and the celebratory mood. The footage showcased the athletes’ interactions with Modi, reflecting the positive atmosphere and mutual respect that defined the gathering.
The meeting at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg not only served as a platform to honor the athletes’ achievements but also reinforced the government’s commitment to supporting sports and fostering a culture of excellence. Prime Minister Modi’s recognition and encouragement are expected to inspire continued dedication and achievement among Indian athletes.
As the Indian Olympic contingent moves forward, the support and acknowledgment from the highest levels of government are likely to boost their morale and drive. The event underscored the significance of celebrating sports achievements and the role of athletes in representing and uplifting the nation on the global stage.