Prime Minister Narendra Modi will invite India’s Olympic contingent to the Red Fort as special guests on August 15 when he will deliver his eighth straight independence day speech.
Official sources said Modi will also invite them to his residence for interaction.
India has been represented by a 228-strong contingent, including over 120 athletes, at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics. Modi has been regularly offering words of encouragement to the team and has also spoken to many of them.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi lauded the efforts of Indian sportspersons who are participating in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics and highlighted that this time, the highest number of players had qualified for the games. While virtually addressing the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana in Gujarat today, PM Modi said, “This time, the highest number of players from India have qualified in the Olympics. Remember, this has been done while battling the biggest disaster of 100 years. There are many games in which we have qualified for the first time. Not only qualified but also giving tough competition.”
“The zeal, passion and spirit of Indian players are at the highest level. This confidence comes when the right talent is identified and is encouraged. This confidence comes when the systems change and become transparent. This new confidence is becoming the hallmark of New India,” the Prime Minister added.
“Remember, they’ve achieved this feat while dealing with the biggest disaster in 100 years. There are many games for which we have qualified the first time, and not just qualify… they’ve given a tough fight,” he said on Tuesday.
The Indian men’s hockey team’s dream of entering the Olympics final after 41-years remained unfulfilled on the day as it lost 2-5 to world champions Belgium in the last-four stage but the side is still in the hunt for a bronze in the Tokyo Games.
“Wins and losses are a part of life. Our Men’s Hockey Team at #Tokyo2020 gave their best and that is what counts,” Modi tweeted.
Wishing the Team the very best for the next match and their future endeavours, he said, adding that “India is proud of our players”.