Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated the country ’s athletes who have won medals at the ongoing 18th Asian Games in Indonesia.
“The eyes of the nation are on Jakarta. We are proud of the medal winners in the 2018 Asian Games and wish those whose events are left the very best,” Modi said, in his weekly address to the nation, ‘Mann Ki Baat’ as quoted by The Indian Express.
He further congratulated the athletes who have won accolades for the country in the unnoticed sports like Wushu and rowing.
He added, “The Indian athletes are especially shining in Shooting and Wrestling, but our athletes are also winning medals in those sports in which we have not been at our best in the past – like Wushu and Rowing. These are not just medals; this is a proof of the rising stature of Indian sports and athletes.”
A good part of the top prizes bagged by India includes teenagers, women athletes and sportspersons who have come from remote areas and humble backgrounds.
Complimenting the athletes and saying that it was a, “good indication”, he said, “The medal-winner at the Asian Games include a great number of female athletes. The medal-winners also include 15-16-year-old teenagers. It is also a really good indication that many athletes who are winning medals, come from remote and small villages and have achieved success after tremendous hard work.”
India currently is placed ninth in the medals tally with 31 medals in total with seven gold and silver and 17 bronze medals.