Xtra Time Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the Indian athletes who will be participating for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. The Prime Minister interacted with the athletes for more than an hour during which he spoke to M. C. Mary Kom, P. V, Sindhu, Saurabh Chaudhary, Elavenil Valarivan and Sharath Kamal during a virtual interactive session. Newly appointed Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, former sports minister Kiren Rijiju, and the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Narinder Batra was present among others in the virtual interaction.
The PM shared his knowledge about the back stories of struggle, sacrifices and grit of the Olympic bound Indian sportspersons. He also urged all the athletes to forget expectations and focus only on giving their best in Tokyo.
Mr Modi’s conversations touched upon the making of their success stories. At times the PM shared his good humour when he had a grinning PV Sindhu when he reminded her about the ban on eating icecreams during the 2016 Rio Olympics.
“There was a ban on eating ice creams on you during the 2016 Olympics, has another ban been imposed for Tokyo,” Modi asked Sindhu.
“Sir, I have to be careful of my diet,” replied Sindhu.
Modi called the athletes a reflection of new India said they look bold and confident ahead of the Games.
He said all possible help has been extended to them through the government’s target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
“Don’t be bogged down by expectations, just give your best,” Modi said in the interaction.
Modi started the session by asking the athletes about their ambitions and challenges ahead of the sporting extravaganza. He asked Olympic bronze medallist and six-time world champion M C Mary Kom about her favourite athlete and favourite shot, and her reply was Muhammad Ali and the hook.
The Tokyo Olympics will be held from July 23 to August 8.