On National Sports Day, three distinguished athletes—Manu Bhaker, Anush Agarwalla, and Sarabjot Singh—came forward to share their personal experiences of interacting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed gratitude for his unwavering support. Their words reveal the profound impact of PM Modi’s encouragement and guidance on their sporting journeys.

Manu Bhaker: “He encouraged me to aim big”

Olympic medallist and shooting champion Manu Bhaker reflected on her first meeting with PM Modi after her gold medal win at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. She was only 16 years old then and was deeply inspired by his encouragement. "PM Modi told me, 'You are very young. You will achieve even greater success. Reach out to me whenever you need anything.' His personal support boosted my confidence," shared Manu.

Even during challenging times, such as after her performance at the Tokyo Olympics, PM Modi reached out to Manu, providing words of comfort and discussing her future goals. "He told me to stay confident and focused, and he kept track of every detail about each athlete," she recalled. Manu praised PM Modi's genuine involvement with athletes, meeting them before international competitions to boost their morale and checking on them afterwards to understand their experiences.

Anush Agarwalla: “His encouragement boosted our morale”

Indian equestrian Olympian Anush Agarwalla highlighted PM Modi’s unique approach to motivating athletes. Ahead of the Paris Olympics, every athlete, including Anush, received a personal letter from the Prime Minister encouraging them to reach out for any support they needed. "This gesture alone boosted our morale," said Anush.

He also shared a memorable pre-Olympic interaction where PM Modi broke down barriers among athletes by asking questions that encouraged experienced Olympians to mentor newcomers. "He created a sense of camaraderie and new enthusiasm among us," Anush recalled. Even though equestrian sports are not as prominent in India, Anush emphasized that PM Modi showed him the same respect and concern as he did for other athletes, demonstrating his commitment to every sport.

Sarabjot Singh: “His words gave me goosebumps”

Shooting bronze medallist, Sarabjot Singh vividly remembered the surge of energy he felt after PM Modi’s pep talk before the Paris Olympics. "PM Modi’s words of support literally gave me goosebumps!" Sarabjot shared, describing his intense motivation to win a medal for India.

Following his victory, the Prime Minister personally congratulated Sarabjot and inspired him to aim for an even bigger medal at the next Olympics in Los Angeles. Sarabjot also appreciated the government’s support through initiatives like the Khelo India and TOPS schemes, which were instrumental in his training and preparation. “We trained in Luxembourg, and the prompt support through these programs was key to my success,” he noted.

A Leader Who Cares

The testimonies of Manu Bhaker, Anush Agarwalla, and Sarabjot Singh highlight PM Modi’s dedication to supporting Indian athletes beyond the limelight. His personal touch, encouragement, and unwavering support have become a source of strength for athletes, motivating them to strive for excellence. As India celebrates National Sports Day, these stories remind us of the invaluable role that PM Modi plays in nurturing the country's sporting talent.

Explore More
ಶ್ರೀರಾಮ ಜನ್ಮಭೂಮಿ ಮಂದಿರದ ಧ್ವಜಾರೋಹಣ ಉತ್ಸವ ಉದ್ದೇಶಿಸಿ ಪ್ರಧಾನಮಂತ್ರಿ ಅವರ ಭಾಷಣ

ಜನಪ್ರಿಯ ಭಾಷಣಗಳು

ಶ್ರೀರಾಮ ಜನ್ಮಭೂಮಿ ಮಂದಿರದ ಧ್ವಜಾರೋಹಣ ಉತ್ಸವ ಉದ್ದೇಶಿಸಿ ಪ್ರಧಾನಮಂತ್ರಿ ಅವರ ಭಾಷಣ
Vande Bharat AC chair car fares much lower than those in China, Japan, France: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Media Coverage

Vande Bharat AC chair car fares much lower than those in China, Japan, France: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ನಿತಿನ್ ನಬಿನ್ ಜಿ ಅವರನ್ನು ನೆನಪಿಸುವ ಸರಳ ನಡಿಗೆ, ಪ್ರಧಾನಿ ಮೋದಿಯವರ ಕಾರ್ಯಕರ್ತರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಅವರ ಆಳವಾದ ಗೌರವವನ್ನು ಬಹಿರಂಗಪಡಿಸಿತು.
January 21, 2026

During the National Executive meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Patna, an incident left a lasting impression on the now BJP President Shri Nitin Nabin Ji and offered a quiet yet powerful lesson in leadership.

Senior leaders from across the country were arriving in Patna for a major rally. Nitin Nabin Ji was part of the team responsible for receiving leaders at the airport and escorting them according to protocol. As leaders arrived, they followed the standard process and proceeded directly to their vehicles.

When PM Modi arrived, he was welcomed and requested to move towards the car. Before doing so, he paused and asked whether the karyakartas were waiting outside. On being informed that many karyakartas were standing there, he immediately said that he would like to meet them first.

Instead of sitting in the vehicle, the PM chose to walk on foot. As the car followed behind, he personally greeted the workers, accepted garlands with his own hands, folded his hands in respect and acknowledged each karyakarta present. Only after meeting everyone did he proceed to his vehicle and depart.

Though the conference itself was brief, the gesture left a deep and lasting impact. PM Modi could have easily remained in the car and waved, but he chose to walk alongside the workers and personally honour them. This moment reflected his sensitivity and his belief that every worker, regardless of position, deserves respect.

Nitin Nabin Ji explains that this incident taught him the true meaning of leadership. For Narendra Modi Ji, leadership is rooted in humility, emotional connection and constant engagement with the grassroots. Respect for workers and open communication are not symbolic acts, but core values of all the karyakartas, leaders and the entire Party.

This ethos, where karyakartas are treated with dignity and warmth, defines the BJP’s organisational culture. It is this tradition that strengthens the Party’s roots and prepares ordinary people to shoulder national responsibilities.