Prime Minister Narendra Modi would invite the Tokyo Olympics 2020 contingent to the Red Fort as a special guest on the Independence Day 2021 celebration. This year, Mr Modi would deliver the speech as the Prime Minister for the eighth straight year. The Independence Day celebration would be low-key because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is also expected that Prime Minister Modi would meet the athletes personally and would invite them to his residence. This year, the largest number of athletes represented the country at Tokyo Olympics. The number of athletes was 120, out of which 56 were female representatives.
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This afternoon, Prime Minister said that this year, the country has seen the highest number of players qualifying for the Olympics. PM Modi said, “Remember, they've achieved this feat while dealing with the biggest disaster in 100 years. There are many games for which we have qualified the first time, and not just qualify... they've given a tough fight.”
He also tweeted and congratulated the contingent and he wrote, “There is a rising spirit of self-confidence in India and we are seeing glimpses of this at #Tokyo2020, where our athletes are putting up spirited performances and making 130 crore Indians proud.”
Presently, India has two medals – one silver and one bronze, won by India’s daughters, Mirabai Channu and PV Sindhu.
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India’s men and women hockey teams have scripted history this year. Both entered the semi-finals of the Tokyo Olympics. But unfortunately, on Tuesday, hockey men’s team lost the semi-final match against Belgium by 2-5 and will now play a bronze medal match on Thursday.
Prime Minister consoled the team and wished all the best for an upcoming match. PM’s tweet read, “Wins and losses are a part of life. Our Men’s Hockey Team at Tokyo 2020 gave their best and that is what counts. Wishing the Team the very best for the next match and their future endeavors. India is proud of our players.”