Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the Indian contingent the very best for Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. He expressed confidence that the athletes who are taking part in Commonwealth Games 2022 for the first time will also make a tremendous impact. Interacting with the Indian contingent bound for the Games in Birmingham, Mr Modi asked players to play with all their heart, play hard, play with full force and will play without any tension. The interaction is part of the continuous endeavour to motivate athletes ahead of their participation in major sporting events. He urged athletes to go with the mantra of “Kyu Pade Ho Chakkar Me Koi Nahi Hai Takkar Me” when they face their opponents. He stressed that this is the most important period in the history of Indian sports as training is getting better and atmosphere in the country towards sports is also tremendous.
During his interaction with the athletes, the Prime Minister lauded Salima Tete, a hockey player from Jharkhand, for her performance at the Tokyo Olympics. Para-athlete, Sharmila from Haryana, recounted the story of her determination to overcome all hurdles to play for the country. Mr Modi applauded her spirit and perseverance. Badminton player Treesa Jolly from Kerala spoke about how her father motivated her play the sport. Anchita Shuli of West Bengal told the Prime Minister how he keeps calm and gains strength for weightlifting training by practicing yoga. Avinash Sable highlighted how the army supported him in training for steeplechase.
The Prime Minister remarked that the athletes are going to the Commonwealth Games at a time when the country is celebrating 75 years of independence. He hoped that the athletes will showcase their best performance which will be a gift for the country. He said that all the athletes have trained well and with the best facilities in the world. Mr Modi said, the athletes should now aim to create new records and give their best for the country and countrymen. Prime Minister said, today, the spirit of players is also high, the training too is getting better and the atmosphere in the country towards sports is also tremendous. He informed that more than 65 athletes are participating in Commonwealth for the first time and he wished them to make a tremendous impact. Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur was also present on the occasion.
The Commonwealth Games – 2022 is scheduled to be held in Birmingham from 28th July till 8th August. A total of two hundred fifteen athletes, participating in 141 events across 19 sporting disciplines.
