Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the Paris Olympics a turning point for Indian sports, serving as a launch pad for future success. He made these remarks during his interaction with the Indian contingent from the Paris Olympics at his residence on Independence Day.
PM Modi emphasized that the Paris Olympics were historic for India, with several notable achievements. For instance, he highlighted that Manu Bhaker became the first Indian woman to win two medals at the Olympics. Neeraj Chopra made history as the first Indian to win both gold and silver in individual events. Furthermore, India secured back-to-back hockey medals for the first time in 52 years. Aman, at just 21 years old showcased that even amidst personal challenges, dreams can be realized.
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Transitioning to other notable achievements, PM Modi pointed out that Vinesh Phogat reached the finals in wrestling, marking a first for Indian women. In shooting, Indian athletes reached the finals in seven events for the first time in Olympic history. Additionally, Dheeraj and Ankita made history in archery by competing for a medal, and Lakshya Sen energized the nation by becoming the first Indian male player to reach the semi-finals. Avinash Sable also achieved a milestone by qualifying for the steeplechase finals.
Moving forward, PM Modi stressed the importance of building a world-class sports ecosystem and nurturing talent from grassroots levels. He noted the success of the Khelo India campaign, which saw 28 players participating in the Olympics. He believes that strengthening the Khelo India program will help discover and develop more talented athletes.
Finally, PM Modi assured about the government’s commitment to providing athletes with necessary facilities and resources. He highlighted the increased budget for training and international competition exposure, emphasizing the improvements in world-class facilities and support systems. “Earlier, athletes relied on their fate, but now ensure that they have every opportunity to succeed,” he concluded.
