Lakshya Sen shared an amusing anecdote about his phone being confiscated by the strict coach Prakash Padukone, while hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh recounted his team’s exhilarating journey, and everyone had a good laugh about the air conditioning issues in Paris. This all took place during a reception hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Indian contingent following their relatively successful Olympic campaign.
After the Independence Day festivities at the Red Fort, where the athletes were also present, the Prime Minister hosted the Indian athletes. Modi shared a video of the interaction, showcasing one-on-one conversations between him and the athletes.
During a chat with Lakshya Sen, who placed fourth in men’s singles badminton, Modi remarked: “When I met Lakshya for the first time, he was very small but now he has grown up. Do you know, this time you have become a celebrity? To this, Lakshya replied: “Yes sir. But during matches Prakash Sir took my phone and told me till the matches are over, you won’t get your phone. But after that I got to know the support I got.
“It was a learning experience and little heart-breaking as well because I came so close,” said the 22-year-old who lost from a position of strength in the bronze playoff.
The Paris Olympics were promoted as eco-friendly, leading to a lack of air conditioning in the Games Village. To address this, the sports ministry quickly sent 40 portable AC units to ensure the athletes' comfort. Modi humorously inquired about who had complained about the lack of ACs, but no one responded.
He joked, “Prakash Sir was so disciplined and strict, I will send him the next time as well.” The Paris Olympics were promoted as eco-friendly Games. So, there were no air conditioners in any rooms in the Games village, forcing the sports ministry to dispatch 40 portable ACs on an urgent basis for their comfortable stay.
“There were no ACs and it was hot as well, so I want to know which of you cried first saying ‘Modi speaks big but there are no ACs in rooms so what should we do’,” Modi said.
“Who all are there who faced most difficulties. But then I learnt that within few hours that work also was done. See, how we try to provide you the best of facilities,” the Prime Minister added.
Modi also had a light-hearted conversation with Harmanpreet Singh, who discussed his team's remarkable comeback after being reduced to 10 men for over 40 minutes in the quarterfinal against Great Britain. Modi asked, “Just tell me when you to fight with 10-men against Britain, you must have been demoralised from the start, Sarpanch saab, please tell, it was very difficult,”
Harmanpreet replied, “Yes Sir, it was very tough since we received a red card in the first quarter. But our coaching staff was very supportive, helping us visualize every possible scenario. The team’s motivation increased because of our rivalry with GB (Great Britain).” Modi interrupted with a laugh, “That rivalry has been going on for 150 years.” Harmanpreet continued, “We fought hard, ended the match 1-1, and won in the shoot-out. It’s unprecedented in Olympic history to play with 10 men for 42 minutes and then win.”
Modi sees the Paris Olympics as a pivotal moment for Indian sports. Although the 117-member Indian team won six medals—one silver and five bronze, one less than Tokyo and without a gold—Modi praised their efforts. He expressed confidence that their experiences would be instrumental in securing the hosting rights for the 2036 Games.
“Those who came back without medals should not dwell on it. You’ve made the country proud and learned valuable lessons. In sports, no one truly loses; everyone gains knowledge,” Modi stated.
“I believe the Paris Olympics will serve as a launching pad for Indian sports. This will be our turning point, leading to future victories. We will not stop,” he added.
Modi referred to the athletes as “India’s soldiers of the 2036 Olympics” and emphasized the importance of their feedback for preparing to host the Games. “Your experiences, your observations, we need to write them down, so in 2036 Olympics all the little things and experiences of yours will help us in preparing for the Games. In one way you are soldiers of 2036 Olympics,” he added.
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