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Olympics: PM Modi interacts with Indian contingent ahead of Paris departure; Chopra vows to defend crown

Olympics: PM Modi interacts with Indian contingent ahead of Paris departure; Chopra vows to defend crown

Olympics: PM Modi interacts with Indian contingent ahead of Paris departure

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the 2024 Olympic Games-bound Indian contingent as they departed for Paris for the Summer Games starting July 26. PM Modi spoke with the Indian entourage, some through video conferencing, including star athletes, youngsters making maiden appearances, and medal hopes like PV Sindhu, Nikhat Zareen and Tokyo gold medallist Neeraj Chopra. PM Modi expressed confidence in athletes making India proud at the 2024 Olympic Games.

Taking to his social media handle X, PM Modi posted, “Interacted with our contingent heading to Paris for the @Olympics. I am confident our athletes will give their best and make India proud. Their life journeys and success give hope to 140 crore Indians.”

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With India sending nearly 120 athletes to the French Capital, including shooters, wrestlers, boxers, archers, track and field athletes and others, they believe they can top the previous tally (in Tokyo, where India won seven medals) and created history in Paris.

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Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse accompanied the Indian contingent.

Meanwhile, Neeraj Chopra - the javelin thrower who won gold in Tokyo, updated PM Modi on his fitness and how he is preparing to defend his crown in Paris.

"Sir, my training is going as planned. I missed a few tournaments due to a recurring injury, but right now, I am feeling much better. We have just under a month to get the final preparations done," Neeraj Chopra said while conversing with PM Modi.

Hoping to host 2036 Olympics

With the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) showing keen interest in bagging the hosting rights for the 2036 Summer Games, PM Modi also spoke on the same lines to the athletes. He urged the athletes to deliver their best to be on the medal podium, asking them to observe the arrangements whenever they get little time in between their schedules.

“We are hoping to host the Olympics in 2036; it will help in creating a sporting atmosphere. Work is in progress to prepare infrastructure for it,” PM Modi said.

“I won’t ask you to do anything in the middle of your events but when you are free, I would urge you to observe the arrangements. Your inputs will help our bid for 2036. We will have an understanding on how to make sure that we are better prepared,” he continued.

Meanwhile, the much-awaited Summer Games in Paris will take place from July 26 to August 11.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Gautam Sodhi

Meet Gautam, a seasoned journalist with over eight years of experience in covering the world of sports. I am a self-proclaimed cricket fanatic, having a deep passion for the game a...Read More