"Let's cheer for India": PM Modi urges amid Tokyo Olympics

Tokyo Olympics : Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to cheer for India in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics and noted that sportspersons representing the nation there have overcome many difficulties and it is our duty to extend our love and support to them.

Addressing his 79th edition of monthly radio address, PM Narendra Modi recalled his meeting with the sportspersons before they left for the Olympics.

"These sportspersons have reached where they are after overcoming numerous hurdles in life. Today, they possess the strength of your love and support - that's why, come... let us together extend our good wishes to all of them; encourage them," PM Modi said.

"At the Tokyo Olympics, watching Indian sportspersons march carrying the Tricolour exhilarated not just me but the entire country.... as if the whole country unitedly exhorted her warriors saying, "Vijayi Bhava - emerge victorious," he said.

He also asked people to use social media as a tool to cheer for the sportspersons. "On social media, our Victory Punch Campaign for the support of Olympics sportspersons has begun. Do share your Victory Punch with your team.... Cheer for India," he said.

On Saturday, within minutes of Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu bagging the country's first medal, PM Modi led the nation in celebrating the smashing win.

Tokyo Olympics 2020 was slated to be held last year, but it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The games started on July 23 and will continue till August 8 this year.