Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the efforts of the players who represented India at the Tokyo Olympics. (More Sports News)
Giving players present at the Red Fort on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day an ovation Prime minster said, “Our youth played well at the Tokyo Olympics. We are proud of our athletes."
This is Modi's second address to the nation on Independence Day since the COVID-19 pandemic started.
Yesterday President Ram Nath Kovind has also hailed India's performance in the Tokyo Olympics. Addressing the nation President Kovind said, Indian players were outstanding and the entire country is proud of the contingent. President later also hosted high tea at the Rashtrapati Bhavan's cultural centre for the Indian contingent that participated in the Tokyo Olympics.
Indian Boxer Mary Kom salutes as she arrives for the Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi, India, on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021. Photo: AP
India achieved its best medal haul at the Tokyo Olympics and debutant javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra shattered several glass ceilings to become the country's first gold-medallist in 13 years. His stupendous show made it the best ever Games for a nation starved for success at the grandest sporting spectacle. Besides, Neeraj, boxer Mary Kom, hockey players and other athletes were also present at the Red Fort.
With his medal added to this year's tally, India also saw a new record of winning the highest number of medals at Olympics, surpassing the 2012 record.
The India men's hockey team won a bronze after 41 years while the women's side reached the semifinals, exceeding the expectations.
Star shuttler PV Sindhu claimed a bronze this time to add to the silver she won in 2016 Rio Games and become only the second Indian and first woman to win two Olympic medals.
Ravi Dahiya won a silver and Bajrang Punia a bronze as wrestlers matched the show of 2012 London Games where Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt had won a silver and bronze medal respectively.
With a bronze medal, boxer Lovlina Borgohain ensured that the boxing contingent does not return empty-handed from Tokyo Olympics after favourites Mary Kom and Amit Panghal suffered shock early exits.
Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu lived up to the expectations by winning a silver on the opening day of the competition. (with inputs from Agencies)
