XtraTime Web Desk: A special day for all the athletes of India’s medal winners in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Australia, as India’s Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself met and congratulated all of them on Monday.
“Accomplishments in the sporting arena inspire everyone. Their sporting feats have raised India’s stature. Whenever an Indian sportsperson wins on the global sporting stage, it is the Indian flag that rises,” PM Modi said at the event held at his residence. India finished third with 66 medals (26 gold, 20 silver and 20 bronze).
The Prime Minister said the life of a sportsperson can span several decades. He cited the example of Mary Kom, who is winning gold medals even as an MP. He mentioned Pullela Gopichand, who is mentoring many badminton players after an immensely successful career as a player.
PM Modi said that besides talent, training, concentration and hard work, mental toughness was also important for sportspersons. In this context, he mentioned the benefits of yoga.
Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Rathore was present at the event.