PM Modi interacts with India’s Tokyo Olympics-bound athletes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke to Indian sportspersons who will be representing the country in the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo. PM Modi started the conversation by speaking with archers Deepika Kumari and Pravin Jadhav.

Both Deepika and Pravin told PM Modi about their struggles and how they were preparing for the Tokyo Olympics.

He then spoke to javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra who informed the prime minister about his recovery from a shoulder injury and also his experience of being part of the armed forced and ahis goal for the Tokyo Olympics.

In a message to Chopra, PM Modi said that he should not feel the pressure of expectations and should just focus on giving his 100 percent.

The prime minister then spoke with sprinter Dutee Chand, who will represent the country in the 100 and 200 metre sprints. Chand spoke about the tough challenges that she faced while coming through the ranks. PM Modi told her that the entire country wants to see her grab a podium finish in Tokyo.

PM Modi asked boxer Ashish Kumar about his fight against Covid-19 and also about losing his father. The boxer shared his journey with the prime minister and narrated the ordeal that he faced when he tested positive for Covid-19 in Spain.

PM Modi compared Ashish’s example with that of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who too had played in the World Cup despite losing his father in 1999.

Champion boxer MC Mary Kom was the next athlete to interact with the prime minister. PM Modi told Mary Kom that she is an inspiration for the entire country and her achievements have inspired several young boxers.

Mary Kom told the prime minister about how her kids miss her when she is away representing the country and how she tells them to stay indoors due to Covid-19.

PM Modi asked Mary Kom about her favourite punch and who her idol is. Mary Kom said that she idolised legendary American boxer Mohammed Ali.

He then spoke with 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallist PV Sindhu and asked her how her practice at the Gachibowli Stadium was going on. Sindhu thanked the government for helping her get all the facilities to train for the upcoming Games.

(More to follow)