PM Modi wishes luck to Rio-bound athletes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished luck to the Rio-bound Indian contingent and exuded confidence that they will not only clinch medals but also win hearts with their conduct during the Olympic Games starting on August 5.

Modi today flagged off 'Run for Rio' event at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium to cheer for the largest ever Indian contingent who will be participating in the multi-sport event at Rio.

Thousands of school children, wearing masks of Rio-bound Olympians, participated in the 'Run for Rio' from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

"Wherever our athletes go, India is visible not only on the ground but in their conduct as well. I am confident that these players will win hearts with their behaviour during the Games. They will introduce the great Indian heritage to the world," he said.

"I want to convey this to the members of Indian contingent that there will be many athletes from all over the world but there are 125 crore Indians standing behind you. When we will hoist the tri-colour here on the occasion of 70th Independence Day, I am sure that our national flag will also be hoisted in Rio during this period," said Modi.

He also urged the youth to work hard for 2020 Olympics and said the focus should be to send more than 200-member contingent to Tokyo.

"This time, we did not get enough time as we came to power 2 years back only. Next Olympics will be held in Tokyo in 2020 and I appeal to the youth to prepare hard from now onwards targeting Tokyo. We must take a pledge to send more than 200 athletes to 2020 Olympics," Modi said.

"They have the talent, determination and big dreams. I promise that our government will provide them every possible support in next four years. We must focus on qualifying in events where India have never made their presence felt."

Prime Minister also said that success should not be measured in terms of wins and losses in sports.

"119 players have worked really hard and gone through rigorous training to be part of this biggest sporting event. They play for the pride of our nation and it is their biggest test. I am confident that with the prayers of 125 crore countrymen, our 119 players will leave no stone unturned to keep the tricolour flying," he said.