ATHLETES bound for the Rio Olympics, including
India’s opening ceremony flag-bearer Abhinav
Bindra and wrestling ace Yogeshwar Dutt,
hailed the send-off given by prime minister
Narendra Modi, who interacted individually
with each of them here on Monday (4).
At a function at Manekshaw Centre, Modi
wished luck to each of the sportspersons for the
August 5-21 Games. Later, he took to Twitter also
to extend his good wishes. He also responded
to the tweets posted by the Rio-bound team.
Bindra, India’s lone individual Olympic gold
medallist, who will make his final appearance
at Rio, said, “For the first time ever there is a
send-off by @PMOIndia @narendramodi for the
Olympic Team. What a great gesture.#respect.”
London Olympics bronze medallist grappler
Yogeshwar also thanked the PM for his gesture.
“It was great gesture from our Honourable Prime
Minister to wish athletes personally. Something
like this has never happened. So, it’s a great encouragement
for all of us.”
Thanking the PM for his support, young boxer
Shiva Thapa wrote on his twitter handle, “Great
to meet our Honourable PM Shri @narendramodi
ji..Thank you for all your support.jai hind.”
Two-time World championship bronze medallist
shuttler PV Sindhu called the meeting motivating.
“Meeting PM Modi was motivating and
encouraging, hope to bring at least 2 to 3 medals,
from the Rio Games,” she said.
Shooter Heena Sidhu tweeted a photograph
along with the PM, with the caption reading:
“Send off to #RioOlympics by the Prime Minister
#NarendraModi. We all had a good time.”
“Glad 2 meet our energetic #PM @narendramodi
Ji in a pgm. Ur words gv us energy 2
bring laurel 4 country in #Rio,” boxer Manoj Kumar
posted with a photograph with Modi.
