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PM Modi: A Pillar of Support for Indian Athletes

Published By : Admin | August 29, 2024 | 14:56 IST

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.

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Cricket legend K. Srikkanth reveals what makes PM Modi a true leader!
March 26, 2025

Former Indian cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth shares his heartfelt admiration for PM Modi, recounting moments that reflect the PM’s humility, warmth and unwavering ability to inspire.

Reminiscing his meeting with PM Modi, Srikkanth says, “Greatest thing about PM Modi is… when you go talk to him and meet him, you feel so comfortable, you don’t feel overpowered that he is the Prime Minister. He will be very casual and if you want to discuss anything and have any thoughts, he will make you feel very very comfortable, so you won’t feel scared.”

The cricket legend recalls how he once sent a text message addressed to the PM to his Secretary congratulating PM Modi for victories in 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections and was taken aback when he received a personal reply from the PM himself!

“The biggest quality PM Modi has is his ability to talk to you, make you feel comfortable and make you feel important,” Srikkanth adds recalling a programme he had attended in Chennai. He notes how Shri Modi, even as a Prime Ministerial candidate in 2014, remained approachable and humble. He fondly recalls the event where the PM personally called him on stage. “I was standing in the crowd and suddenly, he called me up. The entire auditorium was clapping. That is the greatness of this man,” he shares.

PM Modi’s passion for cricket is another aspect that deeply resonates with Srikkanth. Reminiscing a memorable instance, he shares how PM Modi watched an entire match in Ahmedabad with great enthusiasm like a true cricket aficionado.

Even in challenging moments, PM Modi’s leadership shines through. Srikkanth highlights how after Team India lost the World Cup in November 2023, PM Modi personally visited the Indian dressing room to boost the team’s morale. “PM Modi went and spoke to each and every cricketer and spoke to them personally. That matters a lot as a cricketer after losing the final. Words of encouragement from the Prime Minister has probably boosted India to win the Champions Trophy and the T20 World Cup,” he says.

Beyond cricket, the former Indian cricketer is in awe of PM Modi’s incredible energy and fitness, attributing it to his disciplined routine of yoga and meditation. “Because PM Modi is physically very fit, he is mentally very sharp. Despite his hectic international schedule, he always looks fresh,” he adds.

For Krishnamachari Srikkanth, PM Modi is more than just a leader he is an inspiration. His words and actions continue to uplift India’s sporting spirit, leaving an indelible impact on athletes and citizens alike.