Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged Indian athletes bound for the Paris Olympics to share their insights and experiences upon their return, as India prepares to potentially bid for and host the 2036 edition of the Games. During an interaction, both in-person and virtual, Modi emphasized the importance of athletes contributing to the government's efforts to bring the prestigious event to India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Paris Olympics-bound athletes in New Delhi on Thursday (4 July). Image: X/Narendra Modi
The Prime Minister's conversation with the athletes, which took place on Thursday, was recorded and shared in its entirety on Friday. The meeting was attended by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha.
India Aims for Historic Achievements at Paris Olympics Amid Elevated Expectations
With the upcoming Paris Olympics scheduled from July 26 to August 11, India aims to surpass its previous performance of seven medals, including Neeraj Chopra's historic javelin throw gold, achieved at the Tokyo Games. The Indian contingent comprises over 100 athletes, including a record 21 shooters and 28 track-and-field athletes, led by Chopra.
India has expressed interest in hosting the Games and has received encouragement from International Olympic Committee (IOC) chief Thomas Bach. However, securing the hosting rights will be challenging, given competition from other strong contenders such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with Qatar reportedly leading the race.
A decision on the host for the 2036 Games is expected after next year's IOC elections, which will see a new President assuming office.
Comments from PM Modi
”We are hoping to host the Olympics in 2036, it will help in creating a sporting atmosphere (in the country). Work is in progress to prepare infrastructure for it,” he said in the interaction, which was attended by the national men’s hockey team, the shooting contingent, boxers and track-and-field stars such as Neeraj Chopra among others.
”I won’t ask you to do anything in the middle of your events but when you are free, I would urge you to observe the arrangements. Your inputs will help our bid for 2036. We will have an understanding on how to make sure that we are better-prepared,” he added in his closing remarks to the athletes.
Neeraj Chopra’s comment
"We are now training in Germany and it is going very well. This time I am playing in less competitions because on and off I am suffering from an injury. But now it is a lot better, a few days back I played a competition in Finland and that was pretty good," Chopra told the PM, referring to his top finish in the Paavo Nurmi Games last month.
"We have one month before the Olympics and I am trying to reach Paris completely fit and give 100 per cent for my country," he added.
"Olympics comes in four years and I would like to tell every athlete that you get this chance once in four years and we must try to find out what is that thing which can push us to give our best."
Embrace Fearlessness: Chopra's Advice to Athletes
Chopra encouraged his fellow athletes headed to Paris to compete fearlessly in the world's largest sporting event.
"Tokyo was my first Olympics and in first Olympics, the result was pretty good, I won gold for the country. There was no fear in my mind, and I had self belief because I had good training," he said.
"I would tell every athlete not to fear anyone or anything. We don't have to fear Europeans or Americans because they are also human beings like us.
"If we can recognise ourselves, we have been living outside our homes for long time and training hard, so nothing is impossible."
Promises mom-made Churma for PM Modi
After Chopra returned from the Tokyo Olympics, he had pledged to personally prepare Churma (a beloved sweet from Haryana) for Modi during their meeting. However, Modi gently reminded the accomplished javelin thrower that he still needed to fulfill his promise.
"I will bring Churma for you this time. Last time in Delhi, I got churma made in sugar but I will bring desi ghee and gur (jaggery) churma from Haryana (this time)," Chopra responded.
To this, Modi replied: "No I want to eat churma made at home by your mother."
Maintain Sharp Focus with Quality Sleep, Advises Modi
Modi stressed that both victory and defeat are integral to sports, advising athletes headed for Paris to remain composed and prioritize their sleep schedules, without compromising due to competition stress. He underscored the importance of ensuring sufficient rest for the body. Modi extended his best wishes to the contingent and assured them of invitations to this year's Independence Day program.
"In the world of sports, practice and consistency are important, but the same level of importance should also be given to sleep. Good sleep is very important for sports or any other field.
"It is important to sleep free of all stress, don't compromise on sleep. We tried to give the best facilities to you, we have tried to give you all comfort."
Wishing the contingent all the very best, Modi also promised to invite the Olympic-bound athletes to this year's Independence Day programme.
"I wish you all the very best. I will try to invite you all to the Independence Day programme in Red Fort after you come back from Paris."
Athletes Exude Confidence
Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, aims for a third consecutive medal in Paris, with her sole ambition being to alter its color. Zareen, a two-time world championship gold medalist in women's 50kg boxing, seeks to fulfill expectations in her debut Olympics. The Indian men's hockey team, having secured bronze in Tokyo, anticipates another podium finish.
"It is my third Olympics, in 2016 I won silver, in Tokyo it was a bronze but this time I hope to change the colour of the medal.
"Obviously I am experienced enough, but it is not going to be easy but I will try my best," she said while interacting with the PM.
"...I am excited but at the same time I am focussed because there are expectations from me from the entire nation. I want to live up to their expectations and make the country proud and return," she said.
"It was a proud moment for us because the history of hockey in the country is big. We are giving our best, putting in hard work and hope to bring back a medal," skipper Harmanpreet said.
Kommentare