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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A heart-touching letter from PM Modi
December 03, 2024

For Divyang artist Diya Gosai, a moment of creativity turned into a life-changing experience. During PM Modi’s Vadodara roadshow on October 29th, she presented her sketches of him and H.E. Mr. Pedro Sánchez, the President of the Government of Spain. Both leaders stepped out to personally accept her heartfelt gift, leaving her overjoyed.

Weeks later, on November 6th, Diya received a letter from the PM praising her artwork and sharing how even H.E. Mr. Sánchez admired it. PM Modi encouraged her to pursue fine arts with dedication, expressing faith in the youth’s role in building a "Viksit Bharat." He also extended warm Diwali and New Year wishes to her family, showcasing his personal touch.

Overwhelmed with joy, Diya read the letter to her parents, who were elated that she brought such immense honour to the family. "I take pride in being a small part of our country. Thank you, Modi Ji, for giving me your love and blessings," said Diya, adding that receiving the letter from the PM deeply inspired her to take bold actions in life and empower others to do the same.

PM Modi’s gesture reflects his commitment to empowering Divyangs and recognising their contributions. From numerous initiatives like the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan to personal connections like Diya’s, he continues to inspire and uplift, proving that every effort matters in shaping a brighter future.