Olympians Meet PM: Hockey Team Gifts Modi Signed Jersey, Manu Shows Off 2-Medal Pistol

New Delhi: The Indian men’s hockey team, which won back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, presented a signed jersey to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting at his official residence on Independence Day.

Shooter Manu Bhaker, who became the first Indian to claim two medals at the same Olympics, was seen showing Modi the pistol she used to earn two bronze in Paris — in 10m Air Pistol and 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event (with Sarabjot Singh).

Modi shared pictures of his interaction with the sportspersons at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg home.

Modi addressed members of the Indian contingent who called on him — javelin silver-medallist Neeraj Chopra was absent as he is reportedly seeking opinion for hernia surgery – and lauded them for their wholehearted efforts in Paris.

He also spoke with the hockey players, Manu and other medallists, besides interacting with shuttler Lakshya Sen, boxer Lovlina Borgohain and weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu.

The Olympians were also invited to the Red Fort from where Modi addressed the nation in the morning.

“My dear countrymen, today we have the youngsters who raised our tricolour at the Paris Olympics. I would like to congratulate all our athletes on behalf of 140 crore Indians. We will move ahead with new dreams and resolutions and achieve them with our constant efforts. In a few days our para-athletes will also be flying to Paris for the Paralympics, I extend by best wishes to them as well,” Modi said during his speech.

India bagged 6 medals, without a gold, thus failing to match the Tokyo tally of 7 and falling short of the target of 10 medals.