The Prime Minister's remarks have been widely appreciated on social media. Social media users said that Prime Minister Modi's encouragement to the sports fraternity would go a long way in developing the sports ecosystem
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's moving gesture of encouraging desolate wrestler Pooja Gehlot has earned appreciation not just within the country but also across the border.
After Pooja lost to Madison Parks of Canada in the quarterfinal of the Women's 50kg Freestyle Wrestling event of the Commonwealth Games, the wrestler won the bronze play-off against Scotland's Christelle Lamofack Letchidjio by 12-2.
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Pooja turned emotional while speaking to media persons after she had to settle for the bronze medal. She apologised to her compatriots and said that her ambition was to have the National Anthem played in Birmingham, where the games are being hosted.
Reacting to Pooja's remarks, Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter to motivate the wrestler. He wrote: "Pooja, your medal calls for celebrations, not an apology. Your life journey motivates us; your success gladdens us. You are destined for great things ahead... keep shining!"
The Prime Minister's remarks have been widely appreciated on social media.
Pakistani journalist Shiraj Hassan wrote on Twitter, "This is how India projects their athletes. Pooja Gehlot won the bronze and expressed sorrow as she was unable to win the Gold medal, and PM Modi responded to her. Ever seen such a message for Pakistan PM or President? Do they even know that Pakistani athletes are winning medals?"
This is how India projects their athletes. Pooja Gehlot won bronze and expressed sorrow as she was unable to win the Gold medal, and PM Modi responded to her.
Ever saw such message for Pakistan PM or President? Do they even know that Pakistani athletes are winning medals? https://t.co/kMqKKaju0M
Other users highlighted that this gesture is exactly what differentiates Prime Minister Modi from the other Prime Ministers that the country has had. Social media users said that Prime Minister Modi's approach and encouragement to the sports fraternity would go a long way in developing the sports ecosystem and pave the way for more sports stars in the coming days.
Dang. May not agree with his politics but this is an incredible thing for a head of state to say to a sportsperson..
A+. https://t.co/maaL2BJ03d
You love him OR hate him but this one is the best and cuttest thing any athlete would like to hear... myself being an athlete I know how it feels and when grind so hard and have to satisfy yourself in less then top most position 💯 https://t.co/AOy0s3dbDj
— Prathama 🇮🇳 (@Prathama_35)Absolutely Ji. No doubt about it. Your this approach and encouragement to our sports fraternity will go long way in developing our sports and will pay way to create many more sport stars in coming days, which will bring laurels to Nation 🇮🇳 https://t.co/Vo2BuRUnUa
— Gowthaman (@sgowthaman)This is what makes different from all other PMs we have had. He stands with our sportsmen like no one ever did.
We are proud of . Even participating and training for such tough games is an achievement. You have won bronze. It's a huge . https://t.co/bwDdR9ki1g
Such small gesture helps greatly in boosting the morale of any athlete....kudos to our PM for taking interest in sports and speaking to athletes https://t.co/TD65lA3VPS
— Ashish Mishra🇮🇳 (@Scorpion_Ashish)Also Read: Remember and Never Forget: Major Kaustubh Prakash Rane, 36 Rashtriya Rifles