“Panipat ne paani dikha diya” : PM Narendra Modi to Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Neeraj Chopra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his meeting with Neeraj Chopra before he left for Tokyo Olympics. Image Courtesy: Twitter @narendramodi

Xtra Time Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Neeraj Chopra. The 23 year old javelin thrower from Haryana did the country proud by winning its first gold medal from athletics at the Olympics.

“Many many congratulations to you, you have brought joy to the country on the last day of competitions for us,” Modi said in a telephonic conversation with the youngster, who is employed with the Indian Army.

An excited Chopra responded by saying, “I wanted to do well, gold jeetna bohot badi baat hai (it’s a huge thing to win gold). I got support and good wishes from a lot of people.” The PM then jokingly made a reference to his home town Panipat.

“Panipat ne paani dikha diya,” Modi laughed.

“You had to work harder for one year because of the delay in Olympics and the Covid-19 lockdown. You also battled a shoulder injury (in 2019). You have done wonders despite all these obstacles, it is all hard work,” he added.

Chopra acknowledged that the task wasn’t easy for him.

“Bohot mushkil tha sir (It was difficult),” he said.

Modi spoke about Chopra’s confident body language he noticed ahead of leaving for the Tokyo Olympics.

“I saw confidence on your face the day I spoke to you,” he said.

“I only wanted to give my 100 per cent,” responded the champion.

Modi told Chopra that he has inspired a generation of youngsters with his achievements.

“You have inspired the young generation. We have shown good performance in sports where we are not normally good. Sports is essential for the country. It’s a moment of honour for your family.

“I will see you on August 15. Many congratulations,” PM Modi said.