Chopra, 23, became the country’s first track-and-field Olympic gold medalist, India’s first since shooter Abhinav Bindra topped the 2008 Beijing Games.
#watch | During a phone call, PM Narendra Modi congratulated javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra who won the #gold medal… https://t.co/ZFKhlbBrCD
— ANI (@ANI) 162834764000
“Many congratulations to you, you brought happiness to the country on the last day of our competitions,” Modi said in a telephonic conversation with a young player serving in the Indian Army.
An excited Chopra replied, “I wanted to do well, gold jeeta bahu badi baat hai (Winning gold is a big thing). I got a lot of people’s support and well wishes.”
After this the PM jokingly referred to his hometown Panipat.
“Panipat ne paani dikha diya,” laughed Modi.
“Delay in Olympics and COVID-19 lockdown made you work hard for a year. You were also battling with shoulder injury (in 2019). You have done wonders against all these odds, it’s all hard work, ” They said. added.
Chopra admitted that the task was not easy for her.
“Bohot Mushkil Tha Sir (It was difficult),” he said.
Modi talked about Chopra’s confident body language, which was eye-catching during the Olympic final, but something the PM said he paid attention to before leaving for the Games.
“I saw the confidence in your face the day I talked to you,” she said.
“I just wanted to give my 100 percent,” replied the champion.
Modi told Chopra that he has inspired a generation of youth with his achievements.
“You have inspired the younger generation. We have done well in sports where we are not normally good. Sports is essential for the country. It is a moment of honor for your family.
PM Modi said, ‘I will meet you on August 15. Congratulations.’
India ended its Olympic campaign with an unprecedented seven medals including two silver and four bronze medals.
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