Following the remarkable performance from Indian athletes at the Asian Games 2022 Hangzhou, a program was organised at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday where Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the athletes and motivated them for future competitions. While congratulating the contingent, PM Modi said “For the nation, you are the GOAT – Greatest of All Time”.
India won 107 medals including 28 gold medals in the Asian Games 2022 making this the best performance in terms of the total number of medals won in the continental multi-sport even. Addressing the contingent, PM Modi noted that India won medals in almost all games in which it participated, 20 medals being from events where India never had a podium finish.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
PM Modi also applauded the female athletes, informing that out of all the medals won, more than half were bagged by female athletes. “This is the spirit and power of new India”, he said while underlining that the new India never stops quitting until the final whistle blows and the winners are decided. “The new India attempts to give its best every time”, he added.
He said that India never lacked talent and athletes did perform well in the past, however, due to many challenges, the country lagged behind in terms of medals, He said that it is the present India’s effort to provide the athletes with the best training facilities, to provide maximum national and international exposure to athletes, ensure transparency in selection and provide maximum opportunity to the talent from the rural areas.
Further Modi urged the athletes to use their influence to inspire youths to make impactful changes in life. He pointed out that the nation is fighting a decisive war on drugs and asked the athletes to always speak up about the evils of drugs and harmful medications whenever they get an opportunity. He also urged the athletes to raise awareness about giving priority to nutritious food among the children of the country.
He expressed confidence that the country’s performance will be even better in the next edition and advised the athletes to practice diligently for the Paris Olympics. Modi further extended his best wishes to all the players of the Para Asian Games which are set to begin from 22nd October.
