Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialled Neeraj Chopra after the latter made India proud at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by bringing home the elusive gold medal. In the phone call, PM Modi applauded him for his performance.

Neeraj Chopra became India’s first track-and-field Olympic medallist with his gold. The last time India won a gold was in Abhinav Bindra in the 2008 Beijing Games.

“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.

An excited Neeraj 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.

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

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

Modi spoke about Neeraj’s confident body language, which was eye-catching during the Olympic finals.

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

“I only wanted to give my 100%,” the Olympic gold medal winner said.

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

Also Read | In pics: Neeraj Chopra’s gold-winning campaign at Tokyo Olympics

“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.

India finished its Olympic campaign with its largest ever medal haul at the Summer Games – 7 medals – 1 gold, 2 silver and four bronze.