LIVE: PM Narendra Modi interacts with Indian athletes going to Tokyo Olympics — Updates, Blog

Mary Kom

I am regularly speaking to my children. I am instructing them how to stay safe and maintain COVID hygiene. I asked them to fight the COVID by staying indoors. 

My inspiration is Muhammad Ali. 

Boxer Ashish Kumar

I was weak, but had to try hard to be a boxer. I overcame many challenges in my life.

I fought COVID and also lost my father in this fight.

My family however supported me and my friends motivated me to fulfil my father's dream. I will try to do it. 

When I was in Spain, I had COVID. The facility given to me was outstanding. I got all the help and support from the federation. 

My coach Dharmendra Singh Yadav helped me in every step of my career.

Dutee Chand

PM: The meaning of your name is to Shine. How you prepare for Olympics?

Dutee: I hail from a very humble background. I just wanted a job through sports so I could help my family. I am thankful to the government for always being there with me. I have been through a lot of controversy. I overcame everything. I am going to my second Olympics. I wish to give my best.

PM: Play fearlessly. The entire country is with you. 

Neeraj Chopra

PM: You are from Indian Army, how it helped to reach this point?

Neeraj: I loved Indian Army. And luckily got the chance to be in Indian Army. The Indian govt. provided me with everything. I am thankful to them.

PM: I knew you were injured, yet you made a national record. How did you manage?

Neeraj: It was my dream to be in the Olympics. Was disappointed to miss World Championships and then I worked with focus on Olympics. I will try my best there.

PM: You don't need to take pressure, just give your 100%

Archer Praveen Yadav

Praveen: I used to try Athletics. But I was weak. My coach suggested me to take up archery. My financial condition is not that well.

PM: Your parents have supported you to the core. You have always pursued your goals. How did you become a champion?

Praveen: I refused to give up in my life. I always tried harder to improve myself

PM: I am thankful to your father. I wish you all the best. Hope you rock in Japan

Archer Deepika Kumari

PM: In the last Mann Ki Baat, I spoke a lot about you. The entire country is talking about you. I know you used to target mangoes on trees for archery training.

Deepika: Mango was my favourite. I struggled a lot for my archery.

PM: How do maintain a balance?

Deepika: We have our hopes high. We are training a lot.

PM: You have turned your challenges into power. Wish you all the best. 

Dr. Narinder Batra, IOA President, speaks

"The Indian contingent will be of 228 members. The first Indian contingent for Tokyo will depart on 17th July."

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur making his remark

"The Ministry of Sports has put all their efforts to help Indian athletes", says Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur.

And we're LIVE!

We have a galaxy of stars like Sharath Kamal, Manika Batra, Dutee Chand, Sania Mirza, Mary Kom, Deepika Kumari among others joining PM Narendra Modi, in this LIVE interaction.

PM's interaction to begin shortly

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interaction with Tokyo-bound athletes to begin shortly.