New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind hosted the Indian Contingent of the Tokyo Olympics over a ‘High Tea’ at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre here on Saturday and said “the entire country is proud of our Olympians for bringing glory to the nation”.


President Kovind congratulated the athletes for giving their best performance in the Tokyo Olympics.


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“This team has bagged the highest number of medals for the country in Olympics history. The entire nation is proud of your achievements,” said President Kovind.


“We are especially proud of our daughters, who displayed world-class performance despite facing many challenges. You gave us a reason to celebrate amid Covid. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose when you participate in a game but every time you learn a new thing,” he added.


Addressing the Indian contingent of the Tokyo Olympics 2020, President Kovind said “your achievements have motivated the youth to pick up sports”.


“After many years, when our tricolour was held high and our national anthem was played, at that time feelings of all countrymen were connected with Neeraj Chopra,” he said lauding Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra.


President Kovind also appreciated the role played by coaches, support staff, family members and well-wishers, who contributed to the athletes’ preparations.


“I wish that all of you set new records in the future,” ANI quoted President Kovind as saying.


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“I am extremely happy that you took the win politely and accepted the defeat with dignity. I would like to tell you that 130 crore Indians were praying for your success and were supporting you with excitement,” he added.