Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu Highlight India's Olympic Contingent At 75th Independence Day Celebrations
Independence Day: Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu among others were in attendance from India's Tokyo Olympics contingent at the 75th Independence Day celebrations.
Highlights
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Neeraj Chopra was present at Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort
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Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian to win an Olympic gold in athletics
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Mirabai Chanu, among others from Olympic contingent, were also present
Thirty-two Olympic winners, including javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, India's first-ever gold medallist in track and field, PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu along with two officials of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) attended the 75th Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hoisted the national flag and delivered the customary address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi. Ahead of the national flag hoisting ceremony, Neeraj Chopra said it's a new experience for him as he used to watch the ceremony on TV and now he is attending it.
Our #Tokyo2020 Champions seated for the 75th #IndiaIndependenceDay ceremony at the historic Red Fort Rampart, New Delhi
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Send in your wishes with #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav and be a part of the celebrations pic.twitter.com/lJUaI4NFnj
"Earlier, we used to watch flag hoisting ceremony on TV and now we are personally going there. It's a new experience. We hadn't won a gold medal in individual sports for so long. I felt good that the country felt proud because of me," said Neeraj Chopra.
Around 240 Olympians, support staff, and SAI and sports federation officials have also been invited to grace the Gyan Path in front of the ramparts.
In Tokyo, India recorded its best-ever medal tally at the Olympics by winning a total of seven medals - one gold, two silver, and four bronze.
On Saturday, President Ram Nath Kovind hosted a ''High Tea'' for the Indian contingent at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. The Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu also graced the occasion.
While interacting with the Indian contingent for the Tokyo Olympics, President Kovind said that the entire country is proud of them for bringing glory to the nation.
This team has won the highest number of medals in the history of our participation in the Olympics so far and their achievements have inspired the youth to take part in sports, he said, adding that a positive attitude towards sports has also been created among parents.
President Kovind said that India's performance at the Tokyo Olympics was outstanding not only in terms of achievements but also in terms of potential.
Most of the players are in the beginning of their sporting careers. The spirit and skill with which all of them have performed in Tokyo, India would have an impressive presence in the world of sports in the times to come, he said.
President Kovind congratulated the entire Indian contingent for their excellent efforts. He also appreciated the role played by the coaches, support staff, family members, and well-wishers who contributed to their preparations.
PV Sindhu