‘A Moment of Great Pride’: PM Modi Reveres Vinesh Phogat’s Historic Performance at Paris Olympics

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, invited the athletes who represented the country at the 2024 Paris Olympics to his residence on the occasion of Independence Day. He had some one-on-one interactions with the players and asked questions regarding their performance in the quadrennial event. while addressing the contingent, the Indian Prime Minister spoke about the athlete who wasn't present with them. PM Modi reflected upon wrestler Vinesh Phogat and applauded her efforts after she made history at the 2024 Summer Games.  

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Prime Minister Modi celebrates Vinesh Phogat's historic performance at Paris Olympics  

The Prime Minister hosted the contingent after the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort, where the athletes were in attendance. He then hosted the contingent at his residence in Lok Kalyan Marg, and the video of the interaction was shared on PM Modi's social media pages. The athletes could be seen having one-on-one chats with him. PM Modi also spoke about Vinesh Phogat and her performance at the event. The Indian grappler is yet to return to India after her Olympics campaign. PM Modi lavished praise on the wrestler.

"Vinesh became the first Indian to reach the wrestling finals. It is a moment of great pride for us," said PM Modi as he interacted with the Indian Olympic contingent.

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PM Modi has spoken out in support of Vinesh Phogat after she was disqualified from the Women's 50kg Freestyle Final as Phogat was found over the weight limit. She exceeded 100 grams of the allotted weight, which led to her disqualification. Vinesh was assured of a medal and she approached the CAS for a joint silver medal. but her pleas were dismissed, and she will be returning to India medal-less.

Apart from Vinesh Phogat, silver medalist Neeraj Chopra was not present, as he had directly flown to Germany from Paris. The Indian javelin ace is expected to get medical advice to address his longstanding groin issue, for which he might take up surgery. PV Sindhu was also not seen with the contingent at the PM House.