Opinion As Mann ki Baat turns 100, a thank-you note

Today, our players are compelling the whole world to accept India’s might in every field. Be it Asian Games, Commonwealth or Olympics, Indian players have been excelling over the last nine years.

olympic gold medallist neeraj chopra writes on pm modi's mann ki baat radio show completing 100 episodes

Through ‘Mann Ki Baat’, sportspersons from far-flung areas also become aware of the PM’s sports-related policies.

Neeraj Chopra

April 30, 2023 09:29 AM IST First published on: Apr 30, 2023 at 08:00 AM IST

We players live in a different world. We stay away from social and political activities to focus on sports but whenever we go to participate in any international sports event, we have the wishes of 140-crore Indians behind us. Especially given the way our Prime Minister Narendra Modi is engaged in promoting sports, we feel our victory is not limited to us, but it is associated with the pride of 140-crore Indians. It is a matter of great pride for all of us that our Prime Minister has inspired youths to take up sports and yoga and the Fit India Movement in ‘Mann Ki Baat’. When the Prime Minister interacts with youths, it makes a positive and a deep impact on the entire society. Not only this, it also motivates youths to perform their effective role in nation building.

For decades, India could not perform as expected in international competitions. The reason: lack of allocation of resources and encouragement to shape sporting talents. The situation is different now. Today, our players are compelling the whole world to accept India’s might in every field. Be it Asian Games, Commonwealth or Olympics, Indian players have been excelling over the last nine years.

Also in Opinion | Mann Ki Baat: A conversation that millions of Indians look forward to

When I was going for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, our Prime Minister encouraged all of us and boosted our morale. When I won the gold medal at Tokyo, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji himself called me up and encouraged me like a cheerleader. I was thrilled when he told me that “you have created history for India by holding aloft the glory and pride of Panipat”.

When I came back from the Tokyo Olympics, the Prime Minister offered me churma; I was surprised that he knew of my love for churma. Similarly, the Prime Minister offered ice cream to badminton star P V Sindhu. For players like me, it was totally refreshing that the Prime Minister was paying attention to such minute details of what we liked.

When the Prime Minister spoke to us after we returned from the Olympics, he told us that the one thing he likes about us is that we do not get complacent with success while defeat does not discourage us. When a great personality like the PM gives us valuable advice like a friend, it truly boosts our self-confidence and motivates us to do more and better. He also interacts with players who take part in Paralympics and Deaflympics. To keep us motivated, the PM keeps in touch with all of us even during competitions.

When the Indian women’s hockey team missed out on a medal in the Tokyo Olympics despite playing well, the Prime Minister called up the women’s hockey team to cheer everyone up. That was certainly unprecedented. When our women’s cricket team was dejected after being denied victory in the finals of the Commonwealth Games, the Prime Minister dispelled the clouds of gloom by talking to players and encouraging them.

There are many noticeable developments in the field of sports since Narendra Modi took over as Prime Minister. The PM has formed a separate Ministry of Sports. Through ‘Khelo India’, thousands of sportspersons were given an opportunity to hone their talents. The sports awards were named after Major Dhyan Chand, infusing new enthusiasm and energy among young sportspersons. A sports university, a PG Diploma course in sports management, a scheme for medical and accidental insurance cover for athletes, the Target Podium Scheme (TOPS) — all these schemes and initiatives have been helping players prove their excellence in international competitions. These initiatives will definitely provide players more opportunities to win medals for the nation at international games.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi connects with countrymen on the last Sunday of every month through ‘Mann Ki Baat’. Even in ‘Mann Ki Baat’, he has always worked to encourage sports and sportspersons. The Prime Minister’s mantra for us has been that instead of taking shortcuts, we must achieve excellence on the strength of our hard work. When we win, everyone stands with us, but the way Prime Minister Narendra Modi supports players even when they are down undoubtedly gives us the courage to stand again and move forward. Neither victory nor defeat is the last step for us.

Through ‘Mann Ki Baat’, sportspersons from far-flung areas also become aware of the PM’s sports-related policies. Today, the 100th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is going to be aired. If we continue to encourage the players in this way, then surely, our players, brimming with self-confidence, will be able to hoist the Tricolour in all competitions.

The writer is a javelin thrower and an Olympic gold medalist