NEW DELHI, June 27:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today 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 the 2016 Games, the performance dipped considerably and India could fetch just two medals.
In his address on Sunday, the PM also recalled his last conversation with sprint legend Milkha Singh, who died earlier this month after a battle with COVID-19.(PTI)
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