Don’t get bogged down by expectations: PM to India’s Olympics contingent

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke with India’s Tokyo-bound athletes, who will participate in the upcoming Olympics. The players with whom the PM interacted include boxer Mary Kom, athlete Dutee Chand, shooter Dipika Kumari, among others. 

Also read: Tokyo Olympics: Full schedule

During his virtual interaction, the PM told the athletes to not be bogged down by expectations and to “just give your best.”

India is sending its largest-ever 228-strong contingent to the Tokyo Olympics. It includes 119 athletes, 67 males and 52 females. 

Also read: Maana Patel, India’s first female swimmer to qualify for Tokyo Olympics

During his interaction, Modi shared stories linked to each sportsperson and also spoke to the parents of some of them. 

Calling Dilipka Kumari’s journey as “special”, Modi told the shooter that the nation was talking about her. The PM referred to her performance last month at the Archery World Cup in Paris in which she finished with three golds. 

“There are expectations, but one expects the most from oneself,” Kumari said, adding that she is focusing on her practice and performance. 

While speaking with Olympics medal-winning boxer Mary Kom, Modi asked about her favourite sportsperson. 

“I draw my inspiration from Muhammad Ali,” replied the boxer, who added that she took up the sport after being inspired by the ace American boxer. 

Also read: Tokyo Olympics: 5 boxers to watch out for

The PM also spoke to badminton player PV Sindhu’s parents and asked them parenting tips on how to raise a world champion athlete. Sindhu won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

He also interacted with javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, tennis player Sania Mirza, wrestler Vinesh Phogat, among others.