From aiming at mango trees to aiming for Olympic Gold: PM Modi boosts archer Deepika Kumari's morale

"You made challenges your strength. The nation is confident that you would make the country proud in the Olympics," the Prime Minister told the world number 1 woman archer.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday boosted the morale of ace archer Deepika Kumari who is headed for the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

"You made challenges your strength. The nation is confident that you would make the country proud in the Olympics," the Prime Minister told the world number 1 woman archer.

Prime Minister shared a trivia how Deepika used to take aim at mangoes in the orchard before she took up archery in a major way. 

Deepika said she had to struggle initially in her life but was able to hone her skills after she got a good coach and facilities.

"There are expectations, but my biggest expectation is from myself. I am focusing on practising. I am focusing on how well I can perform for the country," she said.

Prime Minister Modi had mentioned Deepika's story in the 78th Episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' on June 27.

"Deepika's life was full of ups and downs. Her mother is a nurse, and her father drives an auto-rickshaw. The nation's best wishes are with Deepika, who is ranked world's number one archer," he had said.

Deepika will be seen in action at the Tokyo Olympics along with three other Indian archers -- Atanu Das, Tarundeep Rai and Pravin Jadhav.