On the occasion of Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met and felicitated the Indian athletes who participated in the Paris Olympics at his residence in New Delhi. This gathering was a celebration of their achievements and a recognition of the hard work and dedication they displayed on the world stage. Despite the challenges, India's campaign at the Paris Olympics concluded with a total of six medals, including five bronze and one silver, placing the nation 71st in the overall medal tally.
During the event, Prime Minister Modi personally congratulated several standout athletes, including double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, who made history as the first Indian to win two medals at the same Olympics. Bhaker shared her experience with the Prime Minister, particularly discussing the pistol she used to earn her two bronze medals in the 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed events. The Indian men's hockey team, which played a pivotal role in India's medal tally, also presented a signed jersey to the Prime Minister as a token of appreciation.
In his address to the assembled athletes, PM Modi expressed the pride of the nation, congratulating the entire Indian contingent on behalf of 140 crore Indians. He emphasized the importance of setting new dreams and resolutions and achieving them through relentless effort. Modi also extended his best wishes to the Indian para-athletes who would soon be heading to Paris for the Paralympics, underscoring the nation's support for all its athletes.
Notable attendees included Lovlina Borgohain (boxing) and Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (weightlifting), both of whom were Tokyo Olympics medallists and had the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister in Paris. Mansukh Mandaviya, the sports minister, and PT Usha, the head of the Indian Olympic Association, were also present at the event, adding to the significance of the occasion.
India's performance at the Paris Olympics, though commendable, fell slightly short of the expectations set by the previous Olympics in Tokyo, where the nation achieved a historic tally of seven medals, including a gold. Despite this, the Paris campaign was marked by several near-misses, with six fourth-place finishes reflecting the fierce competition and the narrow margins that separated the athletes from additional podium finishes.
One of the most poignant moments of the Games was the near-miss in the 10m Men's Air Rifle final, where shooter Arjun Babuta narrowly missed out on a bronze medal. His final shot of 9.5 points left him just short of ending India's 12-year drought for a medal in rifle shooting at the Olympics. Such moments, while heartbreaking, are also a testament to the resilience and determination of the Indian athletes, who continue to push the boundaries of their capabilities on the global stage.
The Independence Day event served not only as a recognition of the achievements of the current Olympians but also as an inspiration for future athletes. PM Modi's interaction with the athletes highlighted the government's commitment to supporting sports in India and fostering a culture of excellence that will hopefully lead to even greater successes in the future.
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