Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with India’s Paris Olympics 2024 contingent on Friday, offering words of encouragement and motivation to make the nation proud. The interaction took place at the Prime Minister’s residence, with some athletes joining via video conferencing, including Olympic medalists PV Sindhu, Lovlina Borgohain, and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra.
Addressing the debutants, PM Modi emphasized the importance of representing India with pride and determination, urging them to keep the tricolour high despite challenges. He expressed his eagerness to warmly welcome any athlete who secures a medal at the Games.
During the interaction, Neeraj Chopra, via video conferencing from Germany where he is training, promised PM Modi a treat of homemade “churma” upon his return after a successful performance at the Olympics. In response, PM Modi humorously expressed his desire to enjoy churma made by Neeraj’s mother.
Neeraj Chopra updated on his preparation, mentioning his focus on staying injury-free after recent scares. He highlighted his recent gold medal at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland as a positive indicator of his form.
Encouraging young athletes, Neeraj stressed the importance of fearlessness and self-belief in achieving success, drawing from his own experience in winning gold during his Olympic debut.
PV Sindhu, reflecting on her third Olympics appearance, expressed her ambition to convert her previous silver and bronze medals into a gold. She advised newcomers to treat the Olympics like any other tournament, emphasizing the need for focus and confidence to deliver their best performance.
Nikhat Zareen, making her Olympic debut in boxing, expressed her excitement and determination to make India proud, mindful of the expectations riding on her shoulders.
The Paris Olympics 2024, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, will see India aiming to surpass its impressive tally of seven medals from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, including a gold, two silver, and four bronze medals.
