Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly congratulated the champions of the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad during their meeting at his residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. PM Modi praised their remarkable achievements on the global stage and expressed deep pride in their contributions to India's growing presence in the world of chess.
He encouraged the players to continue pushing boundaries and stay committed to their craft, while also emphasizing the importance of discipline, focus, and teamwork in their journey. PM Modi showed a keen understanding of the challenges of the Olympiad and expressed confidence in their ability to inspire countless young Indians to take up the sport.
The players, in turn, shared their admiration for PM Modi’s visionary leadership and his genuine support for their individual journeys. Vidit S. Gujrathi expressed his gratitude, thanking PM Modi for taking time out to meet the players. In response, PM Modi warmly remarked, "You and the youth of the country are what give me and the nation value!" Vidit shared how the Prime Minister made everyone comfortable, cracking jokes and listening attentively to their stories.
Vantika Agarwal was pleasantly surprised when PM Modi remembered her upcoming birthday and asked her about her plans for the celebration. She also recalled a special moment from her childhood, when Shri Modi, then Chief Minister of Gujarat, felicitated her 9-year-old self on stage after her victory in the Asian championships, inspiring her to play for India and win more medals.
Tania Sachdev highlighted how much the players learned from PM Modi, especially his insights on handling pressure and his unwavering passion for promoting sports at all levels, which aligns with his vision of Viksit Bharat. This commitment to sports development was deeply felt by the players.
Vaishali Rameshbabu was touched by PM Modi's personal connection, as he asked about her brother and parents, making her feel both happy and at ease. Divya Deshmukh echoed these sentiments, appreciating the relaxed atmosphere of the meeting, where PM Modi's humility stood out, along with his strong belief in the importance of being open to suggestions and criticism, making the players feel their opinions were valued.
The meeting was a truly inspiring and memorable interaction, showcasing PM Modi’s unwavering support for India’s young sporting talent.
