On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to Twitter to share a snippet from his meeting with the Indian Olympic team. PM speaks with gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, archer Deepika Kumari, silver medalist wrestler Ravi Dahiya, and fencer Bhawani Devi, among others, in the video. See video here.
PM Modi captioned the video, “From having ice-creams and Churma to discussing good health and fitness, from inspiring anecdotes to lighter moments…watch what happened when I had the opportunity to host India’s #Tokyo2020 contingent at 7, LKM. The programme begins at 9 AM.”
Indian sportsmen brought home seven medals from Tokyo, including an unprecedented gold in track and field for javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra. It was the country's best-ever Olympic performance.
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PM Modi interaction with Vinesh Phogat
Vinesh was informed by the Prime Minister that he was not only "fond" of her abilities, but also "appreciated" her family's wrestling contributions. He also advised her to avoid feelings like "self-anger" and “dejection."
“Jeet ko sar par chadhne na do, haar ko man mein basne na do (Do not get arrogant in victory and do not get bogged down by defeat),” he told Vinesh.
PM Modi interaction with Wrestler Ravi Dahiya
Modi is said to have informed wrestler Ravi Dahiya, who won silver in the 57kg weight category, that "you belong to Haryana." Haryana's people are naturally cheerful people. So, despite winning a medal, why were you sad on the podium? You've done a fantastic job. You've got to smile.”
PM Modi interaction with Fencer Bhawani Devi
PM Modi also praised Bhawani Devi, the first Indian fencer to compete in the Olympics.
PM Modi addressed fencer Bhawani Devi, "Your contribution is that you have motivated the future generation of the country to take up this sport (fencing)."
PM Modi interaction with archer Deepika Kumari
PM Modi urged archer Deepika Kumari, who missed out on a podium finish at the Tokyo Olympics, not to be disheartened, adding that a sportsperson should never lose hope.
PM Modi interaction with Indian Hockey team
The Indian men's hockey team, which won a bronze medal at Olympics 2020 to end India's 41-year wait for a medal in the sport, presented the prime minister with an autographed hockey stick. PM Modi asked indian hockey team as “ How do you feel”, coach replied, “I feel good man.”
PM Modi further said that if Indian Hockey team did not win medal at Olympics, it would not have been great feeling among Indians.
While having funny interaction with Indian goaly PR Sreejesh, PM Modi said that “you have to learn punjabi now, replying goalkeeper said that he is teaching everyone as how to speak in Malayalam”. PR Sreejesh also thanked PM Modi for regularly tweeting and calling them when the team was in Tokyo.He said that this really motivated the whole team. PM Modi said the the Indian hockey team has given the biggest tribute to Major Dhyan Chand.
Modi received javelin from gold medallist Neeraj Chopra. PV Sindhu, who won bronze, presented her with a badminton racket. The men's and women's hockey teams, meanwhile, each gifted a signed hockey stick. According to media reports, C A Bhavani gave her a sword, while fighter Lovlina Borgohain gave her boxing gloves. All of the medalists also presented PM Modi with a signed stole.