New Delhi: Ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the Indian contingent set to represent the country in the mega sports competition.
While speaking with the athletes, PM Modi urged them to face opponents with the mantra of “Kyu Pade Ho Chakkar Me Koi Nahi Hai Takkar Me”.
He further added that the day is one of the important days in the history of Indian sports. He pointed out that with the high spirit of athletes and the better training facilities, players are climbing new peaks and “making new summits”.
In the upcoming Commonwealth Games, India will have a contingent of 215 athletes in 141 events across 19 sports disciplines. PM Modi acknowledged the players who are going to take part in the competition for the first time and wished them luck and added “The 65 athletes who are going to be participating for the first time, I am sure you will make a lasting mark in the world of sports.”
Prime Minister Modi talked about Avinash Sable, who recently represented India in the World Athletics Championship. He shared how his short stint in the Indian Army helped him prepare for the steeplechase race. “In my four-year duty, I got to learn a lot. The discipline of the army and tough conditions helped me. I got to go to athletics. Steeplechase is an obstacle game, where you cross various obstacles. In army training as well, we have to go through various obstacles, we have to crawl, and jump in a nine-foot ditch. Steeplechase feels easy now,”.
The Prime Minister finally added that “You are the expert on what you guys have to do and how to play. All I would say is, play with all your heart, play with full force and play without any tension,”.
The Commonwealth Games is all set to begin from July 28th to August 8th this year in Birmingham.
Last year, Modi interacted with the Indian athletes’ contingent bound for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as well as the Indian para-athletes’ contingent for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Even during the sporting events, the Prime Minister took a keen interest in the progress of the athletes. On many occasions, he personally rang up athletes to congratulate them on their success and sincere efforts, while motivating them to do better.
Further, also upon their return to the country, the Prime Minister has also met and interacted with the athletes.
The CWG 2022 is scheduled to be held in Birmingham from July 28 till August 8. A total of 215 athletes, participating in 141 events across 19 sporting disciplines, will represent India in the CWG 2022.