From asking Sania Mirza's advice for new aspirants, to promising to have ice cream with PV Sindhu, PM Modi's interaction with Olympics-bound athletes

During the informal interaction with the athletes, Prime Minister Modi thanked their families for their sacrifice.

He noted common traits among the athletes and said that they are bold, confident and positive.

Prime Minister Modi expressed that all the athletes have common factors of discipline, dedication and determination and said that the athletes reflect the 'New India' and symbolize the nation's future.

During his address, PM Modi told the Olympic-bound athletes that the whole country is behind them and the blessings of all the countrymen are with them. 

He also regretted the fact that he could not host them due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

While interacting with Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, PM Modi remarked about the increasing popularity of Tennis sport and asked the senior player for her advice to the new aspirants.

He also enquired about her equation with her partner in Tennis and asked about the change the 34-year old has witnessed in sports during the last 5-6 years.

In reply, the six Grand Slam titles winner said that India is witnessing a self-belief in recent years and that will reflect in the performance.

Prime Minister Modi also talked to Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat and asked her how she copes up with the heightened expectations due to her family legacy. Referring to her challenges, he also asked her how she dealt with them.

Prime Minister also talked to her father and asked about the ways of grooming such successful daughters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also interacted with senior Table Tennis player Sharath Kamal. He asked him about the difference between the previous and this Olympics. He also discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the occasion.

PM Modi told the 39-year-old that his vast experience will help the entire contingent. 

During the interaction with badminton star PV Sindhu, PM Modi enquired about her practice in Hyderabad's Gachibowli. He also asked about the importance of diet in her training and asked her parents for advice and tips they want to give to parents who want to make their children a sportsperson.

PM Modi wished the Rio Games silver medallist success in the Olympics and said that he too will have ice cream with her when he will welcome the athletes on their return.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also talked to six-time world champion boxer Mary Kom and lauded her for being a role model for many athletes. He also inquired how she was able to take care of her family and continue with her sport, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Prime Minister also asked about her favourite punch and her favourite player.

While talking to Indian hockey captain Manpreet Singh, PM Modi said that interacting with him reminds him of hockey legends like Major Dhyan Chand.

He expressed the hope that his team will keep the legacy alive.

PM Modi also talked to World No 1 Archer Deepika Kumari and congratulated her for the recent Gold in the World Championship.

He also mentioned that her journey began with plucking mangoes through archery. Prime Minister Modi also enquired about her journey as a sportsperson.

PM Modi also talked to Indian sprinter Dutee Chand. He started with the meaning of her name that is 'brightness' and complimented her for spreading the light through her sporting skills.

He also asked her to forge ahead fearlessly as entire India is behind her and all the athletes.

During the interaction with the Olympics-bound athletes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that seeing the confidence and energy of young India, he is optimistic that the day is not far when only victory will become New India's habit.