New Delhi, June 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday applauded India’s Olympic-bound athletes, saying that they have all endured “years of toil” and the country should back them without putting them under pressure during the Tokyo Games next month.
More than 100 Indian sportspersons have qualified for the mega-event, which was postponed by a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic and will be held under strict health safety protocols from July 23 to August 8 in the Japanese capital. “Every player going to Tokyo has had one’s own share of struggle, and years of toil. They are going not only for themselves but for the country,” Modi said in his ‘Mann ki Baat’ address to the nation.
“These players also have to enhance the glory of India and win the hearts of the people and that is why my countrymen I want to advise you too, that we should not pressurize these players knowingly or unknowingly.
“…but support them with an open mind and bolster the enthusiasm of every player,” he added.
India’s best Olympic performance came in the 2012 London edition when the country snared six medals, including two silver.
In his address on Sunday, the PM also recalled his last conversation with the late sprint legend Milkha Singh, who died earlier this month after a battle with COVID-19.
“Friends, when we are talking of Tokyo Olympics, how can one forget the legendry athlete Milkha Singh. Some days ago, Corona snatched him away from us. When he was in hospital, I got an opportunity to talk to him,” he said.
“While talking to him I had urged him. I had said that you have represented India in 1964 Tokyo Olympics, so this time when our players are going to Olympics in Tokyo, you have to boost the morale of our athletes, have to motivate them with your message.
“He was so committed and emotional for sports that he immediately gave his consent even during his illness. But unfortunately, providence had other plans,” he added.
While talking about the athletes going for the Games this time, the PM picked life stories of various Indian sportspersons including archers Deepika Kumari and Pravin Jadhav, hockey player Neha Goel, boxer Manish Kaushik besides others. (PTI)
